Father Richard Cipolla, our chaplain, celebrated a Solemn High Mass for the feast of the Purification and in thanksgiving for the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a Catholic priest. Reverend Mr. Stephan Genovese was the deacon and Reverend Fr. Greg Markey – the pastor of St Mary’s – was the subdeacon. David Hughes and Scott Turkington led a large ensemble in works by Byrd,Messiaen, Bach and Bruckner as well as plainchant and hymns. John Pia and William Riccio were the MCs.
This magnificent liturgy should remove any remaining doubts about the state of the Traditional Mass in this part of Connecticut. St Marys’ was completely full (500+ in the congregation with many singers, clergy and a small army of acolytes as well). Candles ran out, hosts had to be redistributed and the procession had to be cut off because of the number of participants.
Many familiar faces from New York had made the long journey north, and many of Fr. Cipolla’s students were in attendance. The congregation certainly was richly rewarded for its efforts on Superbowl Sunday: including a brief concert of sacred music, the service lasted over three hours. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed himself at the fine reception where Fr.Cipolla imparted his blessing.
Fr. Cipolla’s sermon
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