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A look inside the beautiful Church of Our Saviour
Photos by New York Scugnizzo
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Crux fidelis, inter omnes, Arbor una nobilis: Nulla silva talem profert, Fronde, flore, germine: Dulce lignum, dulces clavos, Dulce pondus sustinet. Amen*
Thursday evening my confratelli of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George and I had the great privilege of joining members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for Solemn Evening Prayer for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at the beautiful Church of Our Saviour (59 Park Ave.) on Murray Hill in New York City. Mandatory observance for both Orders, the Feast celebrates the discovery of the True Cross in 320 by St. Helen, mother of St. Constantine the Great, and the dedication of the basilica and shrine built on Calvary in 335 by Emperor Constantine.
Following Reverend Robert J. Robbins homily, members of the congregation had the extraordinary opportunity to approach the sanctuary and venerate the Relic of the True Cross. The sacred music was sung by director and organist Paul J. Murray, K.C.H.S., and the Choir of the Church of Our Saviour. They were absolutely phenomenal.
I wish to thank the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for inviting us to participate. Special thanks to Fr. Robbins, Reverend Monsignor Hilary C. Franco, the staff and congregation of the Church of Our Saviour for your warm hospitality. It was a tremendous pleasure to celebrate our faith with you. Evviva la Croce!
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| (Above & below) After Vespers, the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher process out of the church |
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| (L) Cavs. Vincent Gangone and Charles Sant'Elia of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St. George were in attendance. (R.) Rev. Msgr. Hilary C. Franco with the Relic of the True Cross |
* Faithful cross, above all other, One and only noble Tree, None in foliage, none in blossom, None in fruit thy peers may be. Sweetest wood and sweetest iron, Sweetest weight is hung on thee. Amen. — John IV, King of Portugal (1604-1656)
