On Tuesday, June 24, Members, Affiliates and friends of the New York City Area braved the oppressive heat to celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in the Chapel at Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. We were very pleased to be joined at Mass by a number of Mary Manning Walsh residents and staff.
Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Edmund Whalen, ChC. Concelebrants included Rev. Msgr. Robert Ritchie, GCChC; Rev. Joseph Cavoto, OFM, ChM; Rev. Gerald Murray, ChM, JCD; Fr. John Anderson of ArchCare; and Fr. Javid Akram, Chaplain at Mary Manning Walsh.
In his homily, Bishop Whalen noted that we celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist at the beginning of summer and observe his death towards the end of summer (August 29). Bishop Whalen noted that John the Baptist learned and developed his faith from his parents. And that the way he was raised and the strong gift of faith he received from his parents enabled him to have the message to speak and the courage to be the precursor pointing to the promised Messiah. Bishop Whalen asked us, as we gather with family during the summer, to take some time to talk with God about our own upbringing and reflect on how the faith was passed on to us, who were the people who gave us the gift of faith, and how they did it. To reflect upon the experiences and formative moments that eventually led us to want to live our faith in action, including what we do through the Order of Malta.
At the end of Mass, American Association President Ken Craig led the congregation in the Daily Prayer of the Order. NYC Area Co-Chair Steve Bujno thanked the MMW residents for welcoming us into their home and also thanked ArchCare for hosting the evening’s event and, more importantly, for the vital, compassionate care Archcare provides. The NYC Area partners closely with Archcare for many of our service and spiritual activities.
Following Mass, ArchCare hosted a delightful reception in the 7th floor dining room, where participants shared fellowship and enjoyed delicious food and drink, as well as music played by a trio of classical musicians.
Our thanks and gratitude to Bishop Whalen for celebrating our Mass. Also to ArchCare CEO Scott LaRue, KM; MMW Administrators Michael Monahan and Jonathan Feltheimer; and the MMW chefs, servers and staff for hosting us for a beautiful Feast Day Mass and reception, celebrating our Patron, St. John the Baptist.
