The Arlington Latin Mass Society is once again holding the National Latin Mass Pilgrimage between Arlington, VA, and Washington, DC, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Pilgrims can register and find all the details at https://TLMpilgrimage.com.

A vigil on Saturday morning, September 20! Before St. Patrick’s cathedral. The participants are mainly parishioners of Most Holy Redeemer Church, summarily closed by the Archdiocese on September 1.

(Above and below) The placard summarizes the historical artistic, spiritual and German ethnic heritage of this parish – and this list is not exhaustive. The current church building has a direct connection with one saint:

The consecration ceremony (of this church) was performed by Most Reverend Archbishop Hughes, and the celebrant of the Pontifical Mass was the Most Reverend Bishop John Neumann CSSR of Philadelphia (now Saint John Neumann). 

A History of Most Holy Redeemer at stbrigidstemeric.org; “The Churches of New York IX: Vierzehnheiligen on the East River,” The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny ( March 27, 2011)

Most Holy Redeemer parish, until its closure this month, had an active parish life. As the poster below states, in December 2023 Cardinal Dolan himself praised the parish as he dedicated a bell there as part of a restoration of the church’s tower. And by June 2024 a report in the secular press praised this parish and its succcesssful “outreach” to those on the “margins.” Soon thereafter, however, the pastor was transferred out and a quasi-caretaker administration established. These developments are summarized here:

“Bohemians, the Traditional Mass and Most Holy Redeemer Church,” The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny (August 29, 2024)

Yes, it was a small band standing yesterday before the cathedral. But the number of parishioners and friends of this parish is much larger. And the threatened loss of Most Holy Redeemer has attracted attention well beyond Catholic circles. A campaign to landmark the building is underway.

(Below) Strangely enough, as a demonstration protested the threat to one of the last significant relics of 19th century German-American culture, participants in the “Steuben Day” parade emerged from St. Patrick’s cathedral. Bands played on the cathedral steps, costumed groups marched past and flag bearers took up position briefly before those conducting the vigil. It is rather surrealist – the contrast between the public display on the church steps midtown and what is unfolding now further downtown regarding an authentic monument of the German heritage.

So the struggle for the preservation of Most Holy Redeemer has begun. What will be the outcome? I do not know – but after similar encounters between parishioners and the archdiocese the churches of Holy Innocents and St. Thomas More are still with us today. And compared to these New York churches (and almost all others), Most Holy Redeemer parish has a unique combination of historical, spiritual and artistic significance.

(Regarding St Patrick’s cathedral itself, Cardinal Dolan had on September 17 unveiled a new work of art described here:

“No comment comes to mind except, perhaps, “ungodly,” The Taos Tatler (September 18, 2025)

Again, the contrast is shocking: the Church jeopardizing real works of art in its care while spending freely on kitsch.)

Addendum:

We are including two videos from the two final Sunday Masses at the Communionion at Most Holy Redeemer on August 31, courtesy of parishioner Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini. The videos show that the church’s Masses were well-attended.

The Spanish Mass:

The English Mass:

This Saturday, parishioners and concerned Catholics will gather for a special vigil at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (5th Ave 50th-51st Streets) between 8:30am and 11am on the morning of the German-American Steuben parade, to highlight the closure of Most Holy Redeemer Church on 173 East 3rd St. If you only have an hour to spare, please aim for 9:15-9:30 (see details here). A strong, visible turnout would send a strong message. Please try to make it! 

See our reports on Most Holy Redeemer Church, a spectacular and historically important German-American church in the East Village: https://sthughofcluny.org/2011/03/the-churches-of-new-york-ix-vierzehnheiligen-on-the-east-river.html and also: https://sthughofcluny.org/2025/07/most-holy-redeemer-church-in-the-crosshairs.html

The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation has been spearheading efforts to save the endangered church. The following information comes from this society:

Landmarking Campaign

This effort has received a tremendous amount of attention and support. Over 1,500 people have signed the petition asking the Landmarks Preservation Commission to declare the building a landmark. Letters endorsing a designation of the structure have been sent by Councilmember Carlina Rivera, Bowery Alliance, the Tenement Museum, historian Richard Panchyk, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, and the Preservation League of New York State. Now, it is up to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to evaluate the merits of the church for a landmark designation. Please continue helping to spread the word about the petition!

Church Services

Most Holy Redeemer has closed its doors to the public and stopped providing regular services as of September 1st. Parishioners have been making a tremendous organizing effort to have their church resume services. Last week, a group of them delivered a letter to His Eminence Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, requesting that the church be reopened and that Mass be celebrated at least twice a month—to which parishioners have a right under canon law. They have also been leading weekly vigils in front of the church every Friday at 7:00pm, which everyone is welcome to join (see details here).  

This Saturday, parishioners will gather for a special vigil at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (5th Ave 50th-51st Streets) between 8:30am and 11am on the morning of the German-American Steuben parade, to highlight the closure of this spectacular church. If you only have an hour to spare, please aim for 9:15-9:30 (see details here). A strong, visible turnout would send a strong message. Please try to make it! 

Program on the History of Most Holy Redeemer

On Oct 20th at 3:00, Village Preservation, EVCC, LESPI, and the Goethe Institute will host a program on the history and future of the Most Holy Redeemer. The discussion will review the cultural and architectural merits of the suite of buildings between East 3rd & 4th Sts. Save the date. 

Solemn First Vespers for the feast of St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor was sung this evening by the Viri Galilaei to celebrate their 10th anniversary. St.Nicholas was an Augustinian – like Pope Leo XIV – and was devoted to prayer for the souls in Purgatory. The service took place at the church of St. Cecilia, Stamford CT.

The Viri Galilaei were founded in 2015. They are devoted to the traditional music of the Catholic Church, especially plainchant. Their founder, David Hughes, took part in the performance of these Vespers. (David Indyk is the present leader of the group) Fr. Richard Cipolla, described as the “founding pastor” of the Viri Galilaei, preached on the importance of the traditional musical heritage of the Church.

Today, Regina Pacis Academy celebrated the opening of the school year with solemn Mass at St. Mary Church in Norwalk in honor of the Nativity of Our Lady.

(Above) Photo of Cardinal Raymond Burke taken in Stamford, CT on 7/16/2021 (!)

From Paix Liturgique (Letter 1268 – 9/8/2025)

We asked Christian Marquant, coordinator of the Coetus Internationalis Summorum Pontificum, to give us the latest news about the upcoming pilgrimage, which will take place in Rome on October 24, 25, and 26. Cardinal Raymond Burke is kind enough to preside over it.

Q – Dear Christian, what news is there about the upcoming pilgrimage?

Christian Marquant – The first good news is that the pilgrimage will indeed take place. As in the previous 13 years, our Ad Petri Sedem pilgrimage will take place this year in Rome from October 24 to 26. As always, it will end on Christ the King Sunday. However, it will be an exceptional pilgrimage because it will take place during the Holy Year 2025, which is also the 100th anniversary of the encyclical Quas Primas on the Kingship of Christ.

Q – Why Ad Petri Sedem?

Christian Marquant – That is, the pilgrimage of the Summorum Pontificum people, that is, those attached to the usus antiquior, who give thanks to the Prince of the Apostles and his successor and thus demonstrate their attachment to the Church of Rome.

Q – The Summorum Pontificum People?

Christian Marquant – Yes, the representatives of the faithful who in more than 100 countries wish to continue to live their Catholic faith to the rhythm of the traditional liturgy and catechism.

Q – Any updates on the program?

Christian Marquant – Yes, there are: the first chronologically will be the presence of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who has kindly accepted to preside over the Pontifical Vespers opening our pilgrimage on Friday, October 24th at 6:30 p.m. at San Lorenzo in Lucina.

Q – This is not the first time he has participated in the ceremonies of your pilgrimage.

Christian Marquant – Indeed, he also presided over the Pontifical Vespers in 2022. We are very proud and honored by the participation of the Cardinal of Bologna, who is also the President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference: it is an eloquent sign of peace and charity among all Catholics.

Q – Vespers will therefore not be celebrated at the Pantheon this year.

Christian Marquant – Due to the Holy Year, the Pantheon will be occupied by a concert that has been planned for a long time. Its rector, who is also the parish priest of San Lorenzo in Lucina, has offered us his basilica for this year.

Q – And the next day?

Christian Marquant – Overall, the program will be the same as in previous pilgrimages, with a significant change in its timetable… since on Saturday morning, many pilgrims who have come to Rome for the Holy Year will gather in St. Peter’s Square.

Q – So, this new program…

Christian Marquant – It will begin as usual in front of the Basilica of St. Celsus, but at 12:00 p.m., before the pilgrimage continues in procession to St. Peter’s Basilica at 1:00 p.m., where, after the security checks, we will pass through the Holy Door.

Q – And at St. Peter’s?

Christian Marquant – At Saint Peter’s, we will be warmly welcomed by Cardinal Raymond Burke, who, as I mentioned, has agreed to sponsor our 14th pilgrimage this year. We will have the joy of seeing him celebrate a pontifical Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin at the altar of the Chair, as it has already happened 11 times since 2012, with an interruption in the past two years.

Q – So, once again, there will be a celebration of the Mass of the pilgrimage at Saint Peter’s. A miracle?

Christian Marquant – The joy of peace while giving thanks for this return, thanks to Heaven and Pope Leo, to our holy spiritual and liturgical habits.

Q – Is this the end of the pilgrimage?

Christian Marquant – No, it will conclude on Sunday with a closing pontifical Mass celebrated at the Trinità dei Pellegrini and two Masses of Thanksgiving.

Q – And for those who would like to know more?

Christian Marquant – You will find the program below and you may also consult our website: Pèlerinage Ad Petri Sedem https://site.summorum-pontificum.org/

Q- But we must also not forget Pax Liturgica Day.

Christian Marquant – No, of course not, remembering with emotion that Pope Leo’s first word was peace. What a joy to meet again with these Augustinian friars who have always welcomed us so kindly for this day of encounter and friendship. You may consult the program always on the website: Pèlerinage Ad Petri Sedem and https://bit.ly/40JNZTF

14th Ad Petri Sedem Pilgrimage, Rome, October 24-26, 2025

Friday, October 24, 2025

· 6:30 p.m.: Pontifical Vespers presided by Cardinal Zuppi in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina

Saturday, October 25, 2025

· 12:00 p.m.: Rosary before the Basilica of Santi Celso e Giuliano

· 1:00 p.m.: Departure of the procession towards Saint Peter’s Basilica

· 2:00 p.m.: Arrival in Saint Peter’s Square/Checkpoints/and entry into Saint Peter’s Basilica

· 3:00 p.m.: Pontifical Mass celebrated by Cardinal Burke at the altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica

Sunday, October 26, 2025

· 8:30 a.m.: Mass of Thanksgiving of Christ the King in the Church of San Giovanni Battista dei Fiorentini celebrated by Canon Antoine Landais

· 11:00 a.m.: Pontifical Closing Mass of Christ the King at the church of Trinità dei Pellegrini

· 16:30 a.m.: Mass of Thanksgiving of Christ the King in the Church of Sant’Anna in Laterano celebrated by Msgr. Marco Agostini

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi presiding at Vespers in the Pantheon for the 2022 Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage.

On Saturday, October 25 in Rome:

3:00 p.m.: Pontifical Mass celebrated by Cardinal Burke at the altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica

Source: PIlgrimage Summorum Pontificum

At St. Mary Church, Norwalk, CT:

At St. John the Evangelist Basilica in Stamford:

St. Mary’s Youth Schola registration is open for Fall 2025

First meeting: Thursday, September 18, 2025. (4:00–5:30 p.m.)

A program of musical and faith formation based on Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony

Weekly classes on Thursday afternoons, plus singing opportunities at parish Masses (2–3 per semester)

Open to ages 8–18

Fee: $125/semester  (multiple-child discounts available)

Faculty: Charles Weaver, Nicholas Botkins, Elizabeth Weaver

Find out more and register at: 

stmarynorwalk.net/youth-schola-program