Solemn Pontifical Mass for Life at Holy Innocents Church, New York

The Annunciation, Window at Holy Innocents Church

Yesterday a magnificent Solemn Pontifical Mass was celebrated at Holy Innocents Church, New York.  It was denominated a “mass for life” – very appropriately, since this church is the shrine of the unborn victims of abortion. The celebrant was James C. Timlin, bishop emeritus of Scranton.  Assisting him were Father James L.P. Miara, Deacon, Father Michael C. Barone, Subdeacon, and Father Jean-Marie Moreau (Institute of Christ the King Soveriegn Priest),  Assistant Priest. Need I mention that the music and conduct of the ceremonies were of the highest order?  The polyphony was conducted by Pedro D’Aquino. The chant was directed by Charles Weaver. David Hughes was the organist. The music featured the Missa O Soberana Luz by Filipe de Magalhaes. The masters of ceremonies were Eddy Toribio and Jeffrey Collins. The mass was sponsored by the Agnus Dei and Regina Coeli councils of the Knights of Columbus.

The sanctuary was shrouded in drapery as the restoration of the apse murals proceeds.

Confirmation in the old rite was administered by Bishop Timlin prior to the mass.

The “slap” once dreaded by boys in days of yore…

The vesting for Mass.

Bishop Timlin recalled the five words with which the founder of Christendom College began every class: “Truth Exists. The Incarnation happened.” He spoke of the current troubles in Ireland and of the daunting task facing Archbishop Charles Brown, a priest of the New York Archdiocese, the new Nuncio there. It is a crisis that culminated in the closing of the Irish embassy to the Vatican. How tragic, because in the case of both Bishop Timlin and Archbishop Brown the faith was handed down to them by their Irish parents and forbears. Faith is something that is handed down to us by others (Tradition!). And the very start of that chain of transmitted faith was the feast celebrated today: the Annunciation.