Praying for the Repose of the Souls of the Faithful Departed with the New York Purgatorial Society

Evviva San Vincenzo!
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Monday evening, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) made the long overdue trek to St. Vincent Ferrer Church (869 Lexington Ave.) in Manhattan for the monthly sung Requiem Mass. Sponsored by the New York Purgatorial Society, the Mass is offered in the Dominican or Roman Rites for the poor and forgotten souls in Purgatory.

Arriving early, we had the opportunity to explore the beautiful church and say our preparatory prayers before the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Wishing not to disturb the other worshipers, I waited until after Mass to take my pictures. However, buy that time the lights were dimmed and most of the chapels were gated, so I didn’t get to take as many photos as I would have liked. 

Mass was celebrated by the Rosary bye-altar

High Mass was sung by Fr. Joseph F. Wilson, Chaplain of the Society. He was dutifully assisted by several servers and the society’s very talented Schola. Celebrated at the Rosary bye-altar, I did not have a clear view of the Mass, but thanks to the church’s amazing acoustics we heard everything perfectly.

We were able to venerate the relics of Pope St. John Paul II,
on the eve of his Feast Day (October 22nd), and St. Jacinta Marto

As an aside, the one thing that really stood out for me was how young most of the assemblage was. I finally witnessed first hand the much-vaunted youthfulness of traditional Catholics. Admittedly, this hasn’t always been my experience, so it was nice to see so many young faces. Additionally, the sound of happy toddlers in the back of the church was most welcome.  

St. Ann and the Blessed Mother

Afterward, we were invited to join the Purgatorial Society for some drinks at a nearby watering hole. Mingling with other partygoers, we were happy to learn that several of the attendees were new to the Latin Mass.

Knocking back a few pints, we drank to the memory of good King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies and the ever faithful Loyalists who fought and died for the Kingdom. Seeing as it was his Feast Day (October 21st), we couldn't forget Blessed Emperor Karl I of Austria and his wife, Servant of God Empress Zita.

The sanctuary and High Altar

Thank you Very Rev. Walter Wagner, O.P., Pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Catherine of Siena Parish, and members of the congregation for your warmth and hospitality. Special Thanks to our pal Pete Clemente for inviting us, I wish we took you up on the invitation sooner. God bless the members of the New York Purgatorial Society for sponsoring the Masses and their righteous mission to promote prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. As always, it was a great joy to celebrate our faith together.

The Next Purgatorial Mass at St. Vincent Ferrer Church will be offered on Wednesday, November 13th. For more information about the New York Purgatorial Society visit www.nypurgatorial.com or write to nypurgatorial@yahoo.com.

                                            ~ Giovanni di Napoli, Tuesday, October 22nd, the Feast St. Abercius of Hieropolis