AUBURN -- In the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, a poem ends, "Where there is sadness, joy."

That passage reflected the feelings of many parishioners Sunday at St. Francis Church as they gathered to celebrate their 100th anniversary, as they also remembered a former priest who helped guide the church for 31 years.

Father John J. Nacca served as Pastor at St. Francis from 1949 to his retirement in 1980. He died Saturday morning at St. Ann's Community in Rochester at 93.

"This is a tremendous parish, an outstanding contributor to the community. I was honored to celebrate their 100th anniversary with Bishop Clark and Father Gene," said state Senator Michael Nozzolio (R-Seneca Falls). "But this is a bittersweet day with Father Nacca passing."

In his remarks at a ceremony held after Mass, Nozzolio said that Fr.  Nacca  "is with us today."

"Father Nacca was my spiritual mentor. I thought the world of him when I first served in the state Assembly. A giant has passed," said Nozzolio, who served 10 years in the Assembly and is now in his eighth term as a state Senator.

The church was full Sunday morning for the 9:30 a.m. Mass, which was followed by a procession honoring the church's patron and then a rededication ceremony. Afterwards, a brunch was served in the hall named after Fr. Nacca.

For more, read Monday's Citizen