MANHATTAN — The Church of the Good Shepherd in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood was filled with celebration on Thursday, May 15, as Good Shepherd School marked 100 years of Catholic education and service with a special Centennial Mass.

Auxiliary Bishop John S. Bonnici, representing His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, presided over the liturgy and delivered a homily reflecting on the rich legacy of the parish and school. He was joined by numerous clergy, including Paulist Fathers, Capuchin Friars, and diocesan priests—all of whom have played a role in the life of the Good Shepherd community over the past century.

Recognizing the steadfast dedication of the religious and lay leaders who have guided the school’s mission through generations of change and development, Bishop Bonnici reflected on the legacy they represent. “It is truly a bit overwhelming to be with so many brother priests who represent the history of this parish and school,” Bishop Bonnici shared.

Founded in 1925 by the Paulist Fathers to serve the area’s burgeoning Irish immigrant population, Good Shepherd School has become a cornerstone of faith formation and academic excellence in northern Manhattan. Bishop Bonnici noted how the school’s founding was an act of pastoral care, created to meet the educational and spiritual needs of immigrant families: “And it was indeed established, it was born, and because of that gift, Good Shepherd School would continue forward serving the needs of those in her midst.”

Staffed in its early years by the Sisters of Mercy and later by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, the school saw massive growth in the mid-20th century. Despite economic challenges and the changing landscape of Catholic education, Good Shepherd has remained a steadfast presence in Inwood.

Bishop Bonnici spoke to this resilience: “Not only did it survive, but it continued to thrive.” He drew upon the Gospel message to underscore the school’s mission, rooted in love of God and neighbor, calling Good Shepherd School “a living, tangible example of what being a Christian is truly all about.”

In a letter from Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, she echoed that sentiment. She praised the school’s lasting contributions to Catholic education:

“For 100 years, this institution has been a beacon of faith, education, and community, forming generations of students who have gone on to shape the world with integrity, knowledge, and compassion.”

Over its century of service, Good Shepherd School has witnessed waves of immigrant families pass through its doors—from Irish and Italian families in its early years to more recent generations of Latino families. In 2010, the school faced possible closure, but its future was secured through the leadership of the then-pastor and the support of the alumni group Friends of Good Shepherd School – Inwood, New York, Inc.

Today, Good Shepherd School proudly serves a vibrant and diverse student community, steadfast in its commitment to its Catholic mission. Concluding his homily, Bishop Bonnici shared, “It is true, a hundred years may be a long time, but it is so much more.”