Father Patrick Mendola, OFM Conv., was installed as pastor of St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro and its mission of St. Gabriel the Archangel in Fayetteville on October 21 by Archbishop James P. Lyke, PFM.

Father Mark Curesky, OFM Conv., minister provincial of St. Anthony of Padua Province in Ellicott City, Maryland, presented Father Mendola to the archbishop, who in turn, presented Father Mendola to the gathered community.

Music for the installation was provided by the combined choirs of St. Philip and St. Gabriel. During the ceremony, lay leaders, staff and representatives from parish organizations came forward to be acknowledged by their new pastor.

Invited guests included Conventual Franciscans from St. John Vianney Church in Lithia Springs and from Bessemer, Alabama. Local clergy and former staff of the parish were also special guests.

The 7:30 p.m. Mass of installation was followed by a reception in the church hall, where parishioners from St. Philip and St. Gabriel joined in officially welcoming their new pastor.