A Jim Thorpe native celebrated a Solemn Mass and was honored at a family gathering yesterday as he noted the silver anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood.

The Rev. William Sofranko, assistant rector of St. Nicholas Tolentine Catholic Church in the Bronx, New York, celebrated the Mass in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe, and was honored afterward at an event in the St. Joseph’s Club.

The Rev. Edward Connery, rector of St. Nicholas Church, preached the sermon. Taking part were the Rev. Francis Adolf, rector of St. Joseph’s Church, the Rev. Joseph Marschall, assistant rector of St. Joseph’s Church, and James Bechtel, master of ceremonies, and James Gmitter, thurifer, both members of St. Joseph Church who are attending St. Charles Seminary, Overbrook.