By Jennifer Mauro | Managing Editor

The gentle hum of excited voices filled St. Dominic Church, Brick, as more than 1,200 people from multiple counties gathered Aug. 11 to honor the Feast Day of St. Dominic.

Starting with Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., the day’s festivities included a procession of a newly commissioned statue of St. Dominic around the parish grounds, followed by a large picnic complete with live music, food and games.

“It’s community. The future of the Church is in tradition, giving God primacy, making sure the Liturgy is at its most beautiful and then letting everything come down the mountain from there,” said Father Brian Woodrow, pastor.

In his homily, Bishop O’Connell related the life story of St. Dominic, explaining how the founder of the Dominican Order “set the world on fire” with his deep faith and holiness. Everybody involved in St. Dominic’s life, the Bishop said, had great faith.

“That’s the point. It was because of his faith that St. Dominic accomplished great things,” the Bishop said.