August 1, 2026
JOINT PRESS RELEASE: Sen. Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski sponsored official resolutions (J2819/K1421), which were adopted by the New York State Legislature, honoring the 175th anniversary of St. Ann’s Church as an enduring institution that has faithfully served the spiritual and civic life of Hornell. O’Mara and Palmesano recently joined clergy, parishioners and community leaders at a special anniversary mass celebrated by Bishop John S. Bonnici and a reception, where they presented the resolutions, marking the culmination of the 175th Jubilee Year celebration organized by Our Lady of the Valley Parish. The O’Mara, Palmesano and Sempolinski resolution reads, in part, “Throughout its distinguished history, St. Ann’s Church has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the gospel, strengthen family and community life, and serve the people of Hornell and the surrounding region with compassion, faith, and dedication”.
The lawmakers said, “For 175 years, St. Ann’s Church has stood as a spiritual home for countless families and as an enduring pillar of faith, charity and service throughout Hornell and the surrounding region. Its history is a testament to the extraordinary faith and devotion of those who came before us, from the missionaries who first carried the gospel to this community, to the parishioners who built a permanent house of worship through their own labor and sacrifice. It was a special privilege to present these legislative resolutions to Bishop Bonnici and Father Stan on behalf of the people of New York state. Through times of prosperity and hardship alike, St. Ann’s has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the gospel, strengthen family and community life and serve its neighbors with compassion, faith and dedication.”
The anniversary held a deeply personal significance for Palmesano, who grew up in the parish and served as an altar boy for St. Ann’s, and Sempolinski, who remains a current parishioner at St. Ann’s.
The origin of St. Ann’s Parish trace back to the earliest Catholic missionary efforts in the Hornellsville area during the 1840s, when Redemptorist missionaries traveled through the region to minister to Catholic settlers and immigrant laborers. Today, Our Lady of the Valley Parish encompasses more than 450 square miles of the Southern Tier and includes St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and St. Mary’s Church in Rexville. The parish continues its distinguished mission of worship, fellowship, charitable outreach and service to the people of Hornell and the surrounding region.
