Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

About the Parish

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Roman Catholic parish in Florence, Arizona, within the Diocese of Tucson. It is one of the oldest parishes in the state — founded in 1870 by Father André Echallier, a French priest who was one of only three priests then serving all of Arizona. Today the parish is administered by Fr. Callistus Iyorember, with Rose Marie M. Monks as Business Manager. The parish community worships in the historic 1912 church at 177 East 8th Street, with daily and Sunday Masses, regular Eucharistic Adoration, the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotion, and ongoing formation opportunities for adults and children.

History

Parish history since 1870 — French pioneer priests, a bell donated in 1879, the 1884 second church that burned on the Feast of the Assumption in 1893, and the present 1912 red-brick Mission Revival church whose 'temporary' ceiling has stood unfinished for over a century. The original adobe Gila Chapel still belongs to the parish and is celebrated in its own right.

• 1870: Parish founded by Father André Echallier, one of three priests in the state.
• 1876: Schoolhouse rooms added onto the west of the Gila Chapel.
• 1879: Beloved parish bell donated.
• 1884: Second church built.
• Aug. 15, 1893: Second church destroyed by fire — candles set curtains ablaze.
• 1893–1911: Services held in the Gila Chapel.
• 1912: Third (present) church completed in red-brick Mission Revival style under Father Henry Heitz; first Mass on the Feast of the Assumption.
• Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architecture & The Historic Churches

The 1912 church is an example of Mission Revival architecture — red-brick, with an unfinished 'temporary' flat ceiling that has stood for over 100 years. The parish grounds also contain the historic Gila Chapel, whose foundation is made of basalt rocks butted together with mud mortar — the original 1870-era adobe structure still in use today.

• Mission Revival style; red brick.
• Designed under the direction of Father Henry Heitz.
• Unfinished flat 'temporary' ceiling — never replaced by the planned dome.
• Adjacent Gila Chapel: 1870s adobe, basalt-rock and mud-mortar foundation.

Clergy & Staff

Fr. Callistus Iyorember is the parish's current administrator, assigned by the Diocese of Tucson in 2023 while pursuing part-time canon law studies. Rose Marie M. Monks serves as Business Manager and is the contact for parish administration.

• Fr. Callistus Iyorember — Parish Administrator; [email protected]; 520-245-8497 (cell).
• Rose Marie M. Monks — Business Manager; 520-921-0162 / 520-868-5940.

Faith Formation & Bible Study

The parish provides formation for all ages — adult OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) for those entering the Church, Religious Education for children, and an ongoing Bible Study series beginning July 9. Parish updates and bulletins share current studies and registration information.

• OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) — 2026–2027 registration open.
• Religious Education 2026–2027 for children.
• Bible Study — new series beginning July 9.
• Family Rosary Sunday — periodic.

Parish Identity & Mission

The parish's published mission commits the community to making disciples of all nations through worship, education, and service. Parishioners are encouraged to bring the love of God into their workplaces, schools, and community life in Florence and beyond.

• "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."
• Sharing the Good News through worship, education, and service.
• Bringing the love of God into everyday life in Florence and the wider community.