Detroit — People and the names change, but the mission remains the same.

On Oct. 18, World Mission Sunday, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church celebrated its 100th anniversary on Martin Road, spreading the Lord’s message to its corner of southwest Detroit.

“It’s been a diverse 100 years, I would like to congratulate the parishioners, priests and brothers of the parish,” said Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, who celebrated the Mass. “We have the responsibility to commemorate the 100 years here, and thank God for the 100 years of graces.”

The century of worship at Our Lady Queen of Angels has a diverse history.

The church was founded by the Conventual Franciscans, who managed the church for 90 years. Our Lady Queen of Angels got its beginning at St. Hedwig Parish, where the growing Polish immigrant community prompted the Archdiocese of Detroit to establish another southwest Detroit parish to serve the community.

“At that time, St. Hedwig had more than 3,000 families,” said Fr. Jim Henning, OFM Conv., who was pastor for eight years at Our Lady Queen of Angels and the last Conventual friar to serve as pastor at the church.

“This church was quick to establish its own identity after it was built,” Fr. Henning said. “The Cadillac plant was in the area, which drew a lot of immigrants to the area. People worked in a car factory but still walked to church.”

Elements of the church’s Polish tradition are still in the neighborhood, which more recently has been home to a growing Hispanic population.

Fr. Mario Haby is the current pastor of the church, drawing upon the Hispanic culture of the community during the opening prayer.

“It’s a great joy to be a pastor of this great celebration,” Fr. Haby said. “It is great to continue the rich tradition in the community, and celebrate the canonization of St. Junipero Serra during World Mission Sunday. During these past years, many Franciscans have worked in our parish, taught in our schools and cared for the sick in the hospital. Some have joined us today, so on behalf of the parish, my thanks.”

During the Mass, Archbishop Vigneron brought up some of the memorable moments for parishioners at Our Lady of the Angels, noting how it’s a continuation of the mission the church was set out to fulfill 100 years ago — regardless of the changes to the surrounding neighborhood.

“This is a great, rich community of faith that’s grown every year, for 100 years,” said Fr. Tony Richter, who served three years as pastor. “There are some rich traditions and many different cultures here. The Church’s mission is right here, to serve the community, to bring them closer to God.”