 |
| Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Photo by New York Scugnizzo |
Tuesday night, I joined some two hundred pilgrims at the Church of the Immaculate Conception (414 East 14th St.) in Manhattan’s East Village to celebrate Solemn High Latin Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. Arriving just in time (7pm), I settled into one of the side pews beneath the Ninth Station of the Cross. Luckily (for me) the Mass started a little late so I was able to say a few prayers of thanks and intercession for the repose of the souls of my ancestors.
Mass was sung by Celebrant and Homilist Rev. Fr. Robert Rodriguez, Parochial Vicar at the Parish of St. Brendan & St. Ann in The Bronx. Rev. Fr. Joseph Zwosta was the Deacon and Mr. Manny Albino was the Subdeacon. The ministers of the Mass were dutifully served by Edwin Gonzalez, Robert Jurman, Samuel Howard and Thomas Vaniotis.
The extraordinary orchestral music, directed by James Wetzel and performed by Charles Weaver and Schola, featured selections from “Matins for the Virgin of Guadalupe” by Ignacio de Jerusalem, an 18th century composer from Lecce, Apulia.
After Mass, attendees were invited to a festive wine and cheese reception, generously provided by the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny, in the parish center.
Thank you Rev. Msgr. Kevin J. Nelan, Pastor and members of Immaculate Conception congregation for your warmth and hospitality. God bless the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny, especially Stuart and Jill Chessman, for sponsoring the Mass and their tireless efforts to promote the Tridentine Mass. As always, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith together. Ave Maria!
