Bishop Banks celebrates centennial Mass for Winthrop parish

Retired Bishop of Green Bay , Wis. Robert Banks, a former parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Winthrop, returned to the parish Nov. 11 to celebrate a Mass closing a year of celebrations marking the parish’s centennial. Fifteen priests concelebrated with the bishop including the current pastor Father Charles E. Bourke and several priests who had served in the parish over the years. The parish’s parochial vicar, Father Daniel Kennedy, served as master of ceremonies. Bishop Banks remarked on the rich faith tradition of St. John’s Parish and commended current parishioners and Father Bourke for carrying on that tradition today. Following the Mass parishioners gathered for a reception and dinner at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in neighboring East Boston. Pilot photo/ Gregory L. Tracy