ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The former St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church on Clifford Avenue caught fire this week back in 1967.
Father George Weinmann and Sister Lilian Marie McLaughlin died after running back into the burning building in an attempt to save the Holy Communion wafers in the tabernacle.
Over the years, and now in 2017, their lives are being honored and celebrated at the Church of the Annunciation one mile north of St. Philip Neri’s original site.
Inside the church, it was standing room only, showing the community has not forgotten that deadly fire.
“It meant a lot to a lot of people in the neighborhood, and just gathering here today 50 years later is pretty neat," said John Weinmann, of Honeoye Falls and a relative of Father Weinmann.
Father Weinmann’s family believes he sacrificed his life for what Catholics call “the Blessed Sacrament.”
“I feel we have a patron saint that we can pray to, and I tell the kids that and family members that we have special in the family that we believe is a saint," John Weinmann said. "And along with Sister Lillian as well, some special people that took it on themselves to really make a difference.”
One parishioner this Sunday says his son has a special connection to Father Weinmann.
“He was the last baby that Father Weinmann baptized at one o’clock," said Al Pecora, of Webster. "Then the next day the church burned down. And that’s why we’re here today, to pray for him.”
Sister Lilian’s brother says he is surprised and overwhelmed by the support.
“It’s a sad day, but in a way, it’s a joyous day because so many people really appreciated her life and loved her," said Jim McLaughlin, who traveled from Los Angeles for the service. "And she’s watching over them today.”