All Souls Day at St. Vincent de Paul Church in New York

Yesterday evening in New York a Missa cantata was celebrated for First Friday and, on All Souls Day, for all the faithful departed. The venue itself was not lacking in drama: St Vincent de Paul is a traditional French national parish of the Archdiocese of New York. It is filled with reminders of its now sadly diminished national congregation – St Therese of Lisieux stands between the plaques listing French and American war veterans. But this restrained Neoclassical church, with its elegant windows and furnishings, is starkly facing closure and perhaps the wrecking ball.

A priest of the Institute of Christ the King, ordained 4 months previously, celebrated the reverent liturgy. The splendid music – provided by only a few unaccompanied singers – was chant (including the Dies Irae) and a selection from Faure’s requiem.