Detroit — When four Southfield parishes join together as a single worshipping community June 30, they will take the name Church of the Transfiguration Parish.
Though invitations were sent and stationary was typed bearing a different name, Our Lady Queen of All Nations, permission to use that name for the new parish, formerly granted by the Vatican, was rescinded.
The parishes to form the new parish — St. Beatrice, St. Bede, St. Ives and St. Michael the Archangel — received a letter from Msgr. John Zenz, episcopal vicar of the northwest region, explaining the change. At first, the chosen name was accepted by the Congregation for Divine Worship at the Vatican, but it was also sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith for further approval.
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cited unauthenticated visions of the Blessed Mother connected with the previously-chosen name. According to the letter from Msgr. Zenz, the congregation stated that "it would not be opportune to use the title" in case it would unintentionally be associated with the alleged visions.
The name Church of the Transfiguration was chosen by Cardinal Adam Maida from the other most-popular names brought forth by the Southfield parishes.
The new parish, located at the site of the current St. Michael Parish, 25225 Code Road in Southfield, will have its opening Mass at 4:30 p.m. on June 30. Its pastor will be current St. Michael pastor Fr. Robert Weakley, OFM.