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| Statue of Saint Vincent Pallotti Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
Monday evening, I made a pilgrimage (I think a two-hour subway commute counts as a pilgrimage) to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Pontifical Shrine (448 E 116th St.) in East Harlem, New York for the Feast of St. Vincent Pallotti (1795-1850), founder of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate, the Pallottine Fathers, Brothers and Sisters.
Solemn High Mass (1962 Missale Romanum, Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite) was sung by celebrant and homilist Reverend Father Marian Wierzchowski, SAC (Pastor); deacon Reverend Father Christopher Salvatori, SAC; and subdeacon Mr. James Barret. Several altar servers and the church schola cantorum dutifully assisted the sacred ministers.
Mass concluded with the veneration of St. Vincent Pallotti’s relic.
Afterward, members of the congregation gathered outside the sacristy to affectionately congratulate Fr. Salvatori, who was celebrating his 18th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. Fr. Salvatori was ordained at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church on Saturday, January 22, 2000.
Thank you Fr. Chris for your loving service to the Church. May God bless you in your priestly ministry.
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| (Above and below) Solemn High Mass |
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During his homily, Fr. Marian spoke at length
about the life and works of St. Vincent Pallotti
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| The miraculous statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel |
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| The Nativity above the High Altar |
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| The miraculous statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the beautifully decorated High Altar |
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| Arriving early, I made my usual intercessory prayers for the happy repose of the souls of my ancestors and Holy Hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament |
