UTICA, N.Y - Sunday's mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church marked a significant milestone as they celebrated 100 years of service.

Local politicians, parishioners, as a well as Bishop Cunningham from the Syracuse Diocese gathered for a special Sunday mass service.

Pasture Joe Salerno looks back at his time serving the church for 17 years. 

"Obviously I haven't been around for all of it, but the part that I have, its been a wonderful experience of faith and community, goodness and kindness, and concern. but not only for each other but especially those that come to using need of any kind," said Salerno.

Bishop Robert Cunningham played a significant role throughout the anniversary mass. 

"Our lady of Lourdes has been a wonderful presence in this community for a hundred years. and so it's a wonderful opportunity to come here and celebrate as a family," said Cunningham.

County Executive Anthony Picente and Senator Joe Griffo spoke to Sunday's mass, commemorating the church's milestone by naming May 5th as Our Lady of Lourdes day throughout the area.

"An Extraordinary service here today. Father Joe and the rest of the congregation do such much in the fabric of this community. It's not only celebrating here, experiencing joys and sorrows. But it's the contributions that they make throughout this entire community and throughout history and they continue to do that now and we are pleased to be a small part of this today," said Griffo.

"Father Joe and the clergy before him have really embraced the entire city and 100 years of continuance is something to celebrate and with the bishop here made it all the more," said Picente.

Church officials also said that not only was Sunday about honoring the milestone that the church has achieved but its also about looking forward to a bright future.

"We always look for a future that is filled with hope. And I think people that have hope live their lives differently. And we certainly live with the hope that all of us together will draw closer to the lord and be more faithful members of the church," said Bishop Cunningham.