Doesn’t the story of St. Aidan Catholic Church resonate with echoes of faith and community? This Livonia parish stands as a testament to devotion. It is a place where the spirit of its namesake lives on.
St. Aidan himself was an Irish monk. He moved to Iona around 630 AD. His virtues shone brightly. He was selected as the first Bishop of Lindisfarne in 635 AD. He became the apostle of Northumbria. Saint Bede praised Aidan. He cultivated peace and love. He valued unity and humility. Aidan was above anger and greed. He despised pride and conceit.
Aidan carried out the task of converting Northern England. He founded schools, churches, and monasteries. Then he left them to grow on their own. He moved on to new places. Oswine was King of Northumbria. He had studied in Ireland. He was a great friend of Saint Aidan. Oswine did all he could for the Irish missionaries.
One story tells of Aidan’s love for God’s children. As Aidan grew older, traveling on foot became difficult. Oswine gave him a horse from the royal stables. The horse would greatly help his journeys. Not far into his first journey with the horse, Aidan saw a beggar. Aidan gave him the horse. He included the elaborate saddle and bridle. Then Aidan continued on foot. Oswine was furious when Aidan returned. He asked why that particular horse. He wondered why Aidan couldn’t have asked for an ordinary horse. Aidan retorted a question. Did Oswine care more for the child of a mare than for a child of God? Oswine cast off his sword and knelt in repentance.
St. Aidan died at Bamborough on the last day of August in 651 AD. His remains were taken to Lindisfarne. Bede tells us he was a pontiff inspired with a passionate love of virtue. At the same time, he had surpassing mildness and gentleness. His feast is celebrated August 31st.
St. Aidan Catholic Church also remembers Archbishop Alexander Brunett. He served as pastor here from 1973 to 1991. The church was packed for his memorial Mass. Parishioners remembered him fondly. Diane Eriksen said he saved her. She felt he was like a father to her. He inspired her and her family. David DuMont remembered the archbishop knew all five of his children by name. He asked about each one of them. Fr. Ronald Kurzawa, St. Aidan’s pastor from 2002-08, celebrated the Mass.
Fr. Phalen recalled visiting St. Aidan during its construction. The parish includes an outer lobby fireplace. It brings out the warmth of a loving home. Parishioners easily flow from the chapel into a big community gathering space. Every detail of the design could be tied to something biblical. Fr. Phalen remembered Archbishop Brunett always liked to greet people out in front. He liked things done right.
The spirit of St. Aidan Catholic Church is one of community. It is a welcoming place. It is a place where faith and fellowship intertwine. It carries on the legacy of its patron saint and a beloved archbishop. It’s a place where everyone is welcome.