St. Maurice Church in Napoleon celebrates 175 years

Archbishop of Indianapolis attended the mass

(NAPOLEON, Ind.) -- There wasn't an empty pew during mass at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon on Sunday morning.

The church was founded in 1848 and Sunday marked the 175th anniversary celebration for the congregation.

Archbishop Charles Thompson came from Indianapolis to officiate the mass and recognized the ancestors who helped pave the way for what St. Maurice is today.

"To mark 175 years is a wonderful milestone for any community especially in a small rural town like this," Archbishop Thompson told The 812.

"To think how many people gave their blood, sweat and tears for the parish, for building the church and for the ministries and services carried out," he added.

A reception was held after the mass where parishioners enjoyed lunch and stories with fellow community members.