On Monday, November 20, members, Auxiliary, and friends of the Order of Malta gathered at the Lady Chapel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC, to celebrate Solemn Vespers for the Feast of All Saints of the Order of Malta. The Liturgy was organized by Dr. Michael Espiritu, KM, of the New York City Area, James Griffin, KM, of the Philadelphia Area, and G Bjorn Delacruz, KM, of the New Jersey Area, and involved efforts and contributions from members across the New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, Eastern Connecticut, and New Jersey Areas.

Vespers was Presided by Fr. David Skoblow, ChM, of the New Jersey Area, who was assisted by Fr. Leo Camurati, OP, Parochial Vicar of Holy Innocents Parish, Pleasantville, NY, and Fr. Roger Kwan, Administrator of the Parish of the Transfiguration, NYC. Sitting in Choir were Fr. Gerald Murray, ChM, of the New York City Area, and Fra’ Nicola Tegoni, Regent of the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes.

After Vespers, all were given the opportunity to venerate a First Class Relic of Blessed Gerard, Founder of the Order, then after a silent period of Adoration, the evening concluded with Benediction.

The Psalms and prayers of the Divine Office as well as the hymns for Veneration, Exposition, and Benediction, were sung beautifully by members of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Pascual, Music Director of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

We are grateful to Fr. Enrique Salvo, ChM, Rector of St. Patrick’s, and the staff of St. Patrick’s, for welcoming us on this great Feast of our Order.

Many were edified to see so many members of the Order come together to pray and remember our Saints. We look forward to many more opportunities for the different Areas to collaborate with each other in our mission to defend the faith and assist the poor.

Blessed Gerard, St. John the Baptist, Our Lady of Philermo, and All the Saints of our Order, pray for us!