The Shrine Of The Little Flower
Holy Name Society

History

The Holy Name Society in the Shrine of the Little Flower Parish dates back to
October 24, 1926 when Father Wheeler, meeting with a small group of men, organized
our branch. January 2, 1927 the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, the first formal service
was held with the reception of new members

At a business meeting shortly thereafter, Mr. Michael L. Horan was elected to serve as
the first President of the Society. The burden was great, the duties were many, for in
those early days of the formation of the parish the pastor depended greatly on the men of
the Holy Name Society to assist him in the foundation work of a parish which in later
years was to become on of the outstanding parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

After sixteen years of successful and untiring efforts as President of the Holy Name
Society, Mr. Horan voluntarily retired from office in 1942, stating that he thought a
younger man should be installed. Much of the growth and success of our society can be
attributed to the zealous work of Mr. Horan.

December 13, 1942 Mr. Henry B. Haske was elected to serve as the second President of
the Shrine of the Little Flower Holy Name Society. Mr. Haske assumed his duties with
the zeal of his predecessor and under his able leadership the Society grew and continued
to assist the pastor in the many problem of a rapidly expanding Parish. Mr. Haske retired
from office in 1947.

June 9, 1947 Mr. Harry B. Zerner was elected President. The officers of the Holy Name
Society at this time were:

Pastor and Spiritual Director …. Reverend George J. Larkin
President …………..………… Harry B. Zerner
Vice President ………………… John P. Mannion
Secretary ……………………… John S. Peters

Although the primary objective of the Society is to show love and reverence for the
Holy Name of Jesus and to gather its members on every second Sunday of the month to
receive Holy Communion in a body: its secondary purpose is through the unity of the
men to add strength and support to the Pastor in realizing the material needs of the parish.