In commemoration of 150 years of faith and service to Pennsylvania, Sen. John DiSanto (R-Dauphin) and Rep. Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin) presented official citations from the Pennsylvania Senate and House, respectively, to Bishop Ronald Gainer.
The resolutions state, in part:
WHEREAS, The Diocese of Harrisburg was originally part of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia until it was formally made its own Diocese in 1868 by Pope Pius IX; and
WHEREAS, Eighteen counties composed the Diocese of Harrisburg when it was established, but in 1906, three counties were reassigned, resulting in the present fifteen counties; and
WHEREAS, The first church within the Diocese was founded in 1730 in Adams County as Conewago Mission, today the site of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The citations are an addition to the yearlong celebration within the diocese, themed “For a lasting remembrance.” 
“The ongoing focus of the year will be to strengthen our call to the mission entrusted to us: to proclaim Christ with fidelity and love in all that we say and do,” said Bishop Ronald Gainer.
The Diocese’s sesquicentennial year opened in March, and the yearlong celebration will feature a number of diocesan-wide activities and historical reflections for parishioners’ inspiration.
For more information regarding the 150th anniversary, visit www.hbgdiocese.org/150.
