Before the 5 p.m. bell ringing, liturgical dancers dressed in vibrant blue robes mingled with the assembly that had gathered at Immaculate Conception Church in Monrovia on Sept. 17 to mark 100 years as a parish community.

"Welcome to the celebration," they said shaking hands with parishioners, religious community members and well-wishers. "We're so glad you're here."

Those welcomed at the late afternoon-early evening Mass included Cardinal Roger Mahony, visiting priests, former pastors and associates and the current pastor, Father Charles Ramirez, and associate pastor, Father Francis Cassidy.

Father Ramirez pointed out that the multicultural celebration --- with readings in Spanish, English and Tagalog and an opening procession of dancing children --- reflects the nature of the community and parish which serves about 8,000 families in the north San Gabriel Valley.

"This cultural diversity is the real world," says Father Ramirez who noted that it was through the love and dedication of Mexican-born Simona Martinez Bradbury that led to the establishment of the parish 100 years ago. Because of her devotion to the church, her children donated the land for the parish in her memory. "You see, we have direct ties to Mexico because of this mother who gave so much to her children."

Before the Mass, the parish honor those who helped create and sustain the community. Special mention was accorded religious sisters and parish families who have been connected to the parish and school for many decades.

They included the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart, Maryknoll Sisters, Sister Disciples of the Divine Master, Benedictine Sisters of St. Lucy's Priory, members of the Immaculate Heart Community and the Sisters of Loretto who were the first teachers at the school and part of the parish community from 1922 to 2000.

The distinguished couples present included Mary and George Rahab who have been members of the parish for 53 years. "I was in parishes in New York but it never was like this," said Mary. "The people are so kind and generous and you see that generation after generation."

In his homily, Cardinal Mahony pointed out that Immaculate Conception is probably one of the few church buildings --- except for the missions --- that have most of the original church structure still intact.

"But the church building is only part of it," continued the cardinal. "It's the people inside and the partnerships and fellowships that invite in the love of Christ. You have made this is a place where all can be welcomed, where all can share the love of God."