January 24, 2017

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Agnes in Midtown Manhattan

San Michele Arcangelo smiting Satan
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
“What is needed is not a revolution in the opposite direction, but the opposite of a revolution.” — Joseph de Maistre
As thousands of demonstrators streamed past St. Agnes Church (143 East 43rd St.) to attend what they were calling a Women’s March in Midtown Manhattan Saturday morning, I joined my friends and 200 other pilgrims inside the beautiful house of worship for the patronal Feast of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. Solemn High Mass in the extraordinary form was celebrated by the Reverend William J. Elder, the Reverend Christopher M. Cullen and Mr. Daniel Maldonado. His Excellency, the Most Reverend John J. O’Hara was the homilist. Sacred music and hymns were masterly performed by Music Director Mr. Heitor Caballero and the Schola Cantorum of Saint Agnes.
HE, the Most Reverend John J. O’Hara
During Mass we prayed for our new president, the success for the upcoming March for Life Rally in D.C., and the misguided souls who would choose to silence it.

Afterward, I visited the various shrines to the saints and made my petitions and intercessory prayers for the sake of my ancestors and loved ones. I also asked San Michele Arcangelo, San Francesco d’Assisi, Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, et al. to aid us in our struggle against the forces of chaos and for the re-establishment of order.
Energized by the recent turn of events, my friends and I marched against the tide of humanity spilling out from Grand Central Terminal and found a relatively quiet spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and discuss upcoming events and future courses of action. Observing the tantrum taking place around us, we knew that we still have a long way to go before our civilization is put on the right path again. Let us rise to the challenge. 
Madonna and Child and a copy of Jusepe de Ribera's Mystical Marriage of St. Catherine of Alexandria (sans Santa Anna and San Giuseppe)
Sant'Agnese and San Francesco d’Assisi bearing stigmata