A Catholic group in Harlem celebrated its 100th anniversary Saturday with the Archbishop of New York. NY1's Lyndsay Christian has the story.
The spirit flowed through the Church of St. Charles Barromeo in Harlem Saturday.
A celebratory mass was held in honor of the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary — one of only three orders of mostly black nuns in the United States.
The group, led by Sister Gertrude Ihenacho, is commemorating its centennial year.
"This is 100 years of love and service," said Sister Ihenacho. "We were founded at a time where black people were going through a hard time."
She says the group was on the verge of closing its doors in 2014, as it faced economic hardships and an aging membership. But, prayer and faith kept it going, which is why this milestone is so significant.
"The archbishop encouraged us to start making all things new, he said your work is not completed," Sister Ihenacho said.
"And, it ain't over yet, right?" Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in his sermon to the sisters.
Dolan, presided over the mass. And he encouraged nuns like Sister Evelyn Anyarogbu, one of the youngest in the group, to keep the mission alive.
"We are hoping to carry-on the legacy to which they have left, as the younger generation with anticipation to move the congregation forward," said Sister Anyarogbu.
The order launched one of the first preschool programs in New York in 1923. Today, the group operates this day care center in Harlem and a food pantry in Staten Island, feeding more than 20,000 families each year.
"The sisters have given so much to the Harlem community, especially over at our church serving the homeless," said Harlem resident Theresa Lewis.
"We're ending this century and entering a second century as a vibrant community," said Sister Ihenacho.
An enthusiastic order of nuns — dedicated to its calling for the next 100 years.