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| "The Return Crucifix" Photos by New York Scugnizzo |
Between the two Masses, we took the opportunity to pray our daily Rosary and meditate on the Glorious Mysteries. Briefly taking leave of my brethren, I quietly wandered around the church and lit a few candles by the saints.
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| The Infant of Prague |
Praying for the remission of the sins of the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory, I lingered awhile by the life-size “Return Crucifix” near the northwest entrance. Made famous by the artist Charles Bosseron Chambers (1882-1964), the Crucifix was thus named because of his moving depiction of a young French soldier he found praying before it. The story goes that the Frenchman was seeking a return to faith before heading to France to fight in World War I.
In memory of St. John of the Cross and my paternal grandmother, I offered a few prayers by the statue of the Infant of Prague near the sacristy. Like the great Carmelite friar and mystic my grandmother had a strong devotion to the Child Jesus, and through my father she passed down her love for the Infant of Prague to me.Afterward, we joined our fellow parishioners for Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall. Catching up with old and new friends, we enjoyed the usual coffee, tea and wide selection of breakfast fare. In celebration of long-time parishioner Jolanta’s 40th year in the United States, guests were treated to some delicious chocolate or strawberry shortcake. A bottle of green Chartreuse made a fortuitous appearance and we all drank to her health. Offered a second shot of the French liqueur, the Sanfedisti toasted St. John of the Cross. Evviva San Giovanni!
~ Giovanni di Napoli, November 25, Feast of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria
