"In all California there is no more romantic church site, its gilded cross on the hill, a beacon to the western sea; its sweet toned bell calling to prayer the lovely valley before it."

So wrote The Tidings in November of 1906. On Sept. 9, 2006, that same bell called out to Los Angeles --- and especially to its West Hollywood community --- to come celebrate St. Victor's Centenary.

Amid golden yellow and white flowers, a spirited pipe organ and renowned choir accompanied the gathering procession into the venerable church. The procession included Cardinal Roger Mahony, pastor emeritus Msgr. George Parnassus, current pastor Msgr. Jeremiah Murphy and five fellow priests, and Sir Daniel Donahue, Gentleman-in-Waiting to the Holy Father.

The filled-to-capacity church represented both the traditions of the past and the vibrancy of the present and future, both aspects cherished by St. Victor parishioners. With its thought-provoking homilies and liturgies that often include singing in Latin, St. Victor sets a tone for a reverence and devoutness that draws worshippers from as far away as Long Beach.

"This wonderful Centenary celebrates the community of St. Victor's, its reverence in participating in the Sacred Liturgy and its caring for the poor and sick," said Msgr. Murphy. "It is a community of families and singles alike, brought together by a deep faith."

That deep faith can be evidenced in the number of vocations coming from St. Victor. Of four vocations in the Los Angeles diocese last year, one --- Father Paul Griesgraber --- was from St. Victor. Six other parishioners are currently studying for religious life.

St. Victor Church began in 1906 when --- in what was then the small village of Sherman --- Belgian native Victor Ponet offered to build a small wooden church on property he would later deed to the Diocese of Monterey-Los Angeles. Ponet's patron saint was second century Pope St. Victor, the 13th pope and the first African Bishop of Rome.

Among the parish's pastors, its second --- Irish-born Msgr. John Devlin --- holds a special place in archdiocesan history, having served what is thought to be a record 45 years as pastor.

Today, the parish serves a highly diverse community with many outreach ministries. Indeed, in a time of change and upheaval, St. Victor remains resolved in being a refuge and inspiration that it has been for the past 100 years and will continue to be for the years to come.

Nor is the celebration ending soon. "Mark your calendars for 2031," Cardinal Mahony said in his homily, "to celebrate St. Victor's 125th anniversary."

Hermine Lees contributed to this story.