The Mass for the deceased members and families of the North East Connecticut Area was held using the Order of Malta Missal at a very special venue on Saturday, November 23rd. Fr. Josemaria Barbin, who recited the Gospel, graciously hosted us at the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, Eastern CT for the first time.
Rev. Joe MacNeill, our newly invested Deputy Chaplain, celebrated the Mass and gave a touching homily on the Order of Malta. The Friars helped with Mass where Adoration is held all day in their special rustic chapel. It was a peaceful day for remembering our departed loved ones, especially Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Kelly, ChM – April 2024 and his mother Lucia Kelly – February 2023.
The relic of Blessed Gerard was venerated on the table with the remembrance candles in the sign of the cross. Each was lit as the 30 names of each deceased were recited including Stanley Raymond – June 2024, husband of Gina Raymond, Area Membership Chair who was sadly unable to participate herself.
Gift baskets of fruit, nuts, cookies, and canned vegetables were presented at the offertory for the Friary Thanksgiving by Knights in honor of their deceased wives. May our members and families rest in peace with the Lord, our Savior through the beautiful prayers of the Friars to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Feast Day December 12th.
