Observing the First Sunday of Lent in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

The Cross, with purple drape for Lent
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

I left my traditional Sunday dinner with extended family a little early this weekend to attend the evening Missa Cantata (Sung Mass) for the First Sunday of Lent at Holy Name of Jesus Church (245 Prospect Park West) in Windsor Terrace, Bklyn. Arriving with little time to spare, I was fortunate enough to give confession before Mass. It was good to see, with relatively little advertisement, that the Mass had a good turnout. 

Mass was sung by Celebrant and Homilist Fr. Tomasz Szczepanczyk, who spoke at length during his sermon about the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness by the Devil, described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and how we must resist the temptations of sin. Pointing out society's proclivity for immediate gratification and materialism he quoted our Lord's retort to the infernal Tempter, "Man shall not live on bread alone." 

Servers Eddy Toribio (MC), Brian Hilley and Thurifer Lorenzo Tinio dutifully assisted Fr. Tomasz. The Ordinary of the Mass and motets performed by Director and organist David Adam Smith and choir—Catherine Hedberg, Judith Malafronte, Ryland Angel, James Kennerley, Phillip Cheah and Peter Walker—gloriously filled the nave.

Thank you Rev. Lawrence D. Ryan, Pastor and all the Parish staff and congregation for your warmth and welcoming hospitality. Special thanks to Cindy Brolsma and organizers for your hard work and dedication. Once again, it was a privilege to celebrate our faith together.  

The next Latin Mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church will be celebrated on Friday, June 23rd at 7:00pm for the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pictured below are the Church’s statue and stained glass window depicting the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The stained glass window and statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
inside Holy Name of Jesus Church