On Monday February 12th, the NYC Area and the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes celebrated Mass on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Manhattan.  Father Joe Cavoto, OFM, ChM celebrated the liturgy and candlelight procession.

In his sermon, Father Cavoto highlighted the hurt that can come from “neglect, estrangement, feeling abandoned or without any sense that someone cares” and that in our work with the sick and the poor we should heed Pope Francis’ reminder that “the first form of care needed in any illness is compassionate and loving closeness.” 

During the Mass, Dr. John McKenzie, KM made his First Temporary Promise of Obedience (John is a member of the Federal Association from Jacksonville, FL).   In attendance were Fra Nicola Tegoni, Member of the Sovereign Council; Acting Regent of the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes, Hugh M. Dempsey, D.Ed, GCMOb; and American Association President Ken Craig, KM.

Following the Mass, members shared fellowship at a reception, during which a new NYC Area Lenten devotion and service activity was introduced.   Members were encouraged to take with them bags for distribution to the homeless and underserved.  The bags contain $10 food gift cards, winter socks, granola bars, information on where to apply for shelter/housing and locations of emergency food providers — and importantly, a card with a prayer that NYC Area members will also be praying during Lent, as part of a weekly online Lenten retreat.   Special thanks to Ben Malec, KM and Msgr. Douglas Mathers, ChM for leading this initiative.