Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

PAYNEVILLE, Ky. — More than 150 years ago, the builders of St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi Church—a modest-sized red-brick building on state highway 376 in Meade County—likely felt as unprepared to build a church as the disciples did on that first Pentecost, said Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre.

Archbishop Fabre celebrated a special anniversary liturgy on May 18, the eve of Pentecost, at the parish in Payneville, Ky., marking a celebration delayed by the pandemic. St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi reached its 150th milestone in 2022 amid COVID-19.

During his homily, the archbishop asked members of the congregation to place themselves in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. He described how the disciples huddled with the Blessed Virgin Mary must have been afraid and wondering how they’d fulfill Jesus' mission; they could have easily given up.

“Your ancestors knew that same feeling when they decided, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to establish this parish church, breaking off from St. Theresa and calling this their spiritual home,” he said.

St. Mary Magdalen of Pazzi parish was established in 1872 with a wood frame building constructed that year on two acres purchased for $30 in 1871. The church grew out of St. Theresa Church in Rhodelia, Ky., and Holy Guardian Angel Church in Mount Merino, Ky., under Father Jule Pierre Roaux's guidance.

The parish has approximately 500 members, many related and some having been part for over seven decades.

Margaret Mullins reflected on her connection to the church: “I’m half as old as the church.” She has lived across from it all her life and values its family feel: “Everybody’s kin to everybody.”

Archbishop Fabre reminded attendees that sin often causes individuals to fall short but emphasized that nothing can disqualify anyone from doing what God wants: each person doing their best.

“God is not asking us to be perfect... God is asking us to do what we can,” he stated. He highlighted that if ancestors did their best according to God's calling, God would handle the rest.

The original church stood for more than six decades until a fire destroyed it in March 1936. Determined parishioners built a new brick structure within a year; it was blessed by Bishop John A. Floersh in March 1937.

Among those attending were Margaret Mullins’ cousins Peggy Pollack Greenwell and Linda Greenwell with her husband Robert Greenwell—all lifelong members who recall stories passed down through generations about life centered around St. Mary Magdalen.

Leon Pike also attended; at age 68, he has remained loyal due to "faith and family." He mentioned several families—including Hardestys, Facklers, Greenwells, Mattinglys, Pikes, Barrs and Clarks—who have deep roots there.

Parishioners say it remains central to community life with activities like an annual picnic since 1932 attracting diverse participants and outreach efforts providing food baskets during holidays and poinsettias for shut-ins.

Archbishop Fabre concluded by emphasizing that what moved both apostles and founders alike was opening themselves to grace and power through the Holy Spirit: “Wonderful things come about” when collective efforts align with divine inspiration.

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