At the Michigan Area’s final First Saturday of 2025, Detroit Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, called on Michigan Area members to carry out “the Third Coming of Christ” in living out the Order’s charisms.

The archbishop, who serves as the Area’s principal chaplain, spoke of Christ’s First Coming in the Incarnation, and of His Second Coming at the end of time. Often overlooked is Christ’s “Third Coming” in the lives of each Christian, the archbishop explained.

For members of the Order, the “Third Coming” of Christ is realized through defense of the faith and service to the sick and poor. Each charism reinforces the other, he added: In defending the faith, the Order proclaims the value of each human being, created in the image and likeness of God. In serving the sick and poor, the Order likewise witnesses to their worth as images of Christ.

The December 6 Mass took place at the Grosse Pointe Academy Chapel in Grosse Pointe Farms. Concelebrating Mass with Archbishop Vigneron was Rev. John Maksym, ChD, the Michigan Area’s newest chaplain, invested in November. They were assisted by Deacon Aaron Poyer.

The First Reading at Mass were proclaimed by Stanley Sedore, KM; the Prayers of the Faithful were offered by Hon. Michael Riordan, KM. Both were invested this past November, along with 

Rosanne Brugnoni, DM; David Closs, KM; Noel Closs, DM; Chuck Gaidaca, KM; David Hocker, KM; Kodah Maida, KM; June Rutkowski, DM; and Sean Shriner, KM. The 11-member Michigan “class” represents 10 percent of all newly-invested members in the American Association. See “Michigan Area welcomes new chaplain, 10 new Dames and Knights at 2025 Investiture Weekend.”

Afterwards, Michigan Area members enjoyed brunch at the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms. Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, presented highlights from the American Association’s business meeting over the investiture weekend, as well as a recap of the Michigan Area’s 2025 activities and plans for next year.

Andy also introduced the Association’s new Service Prayer, sharing a synopsis of the Spiritual Forum presentation at the business meeting by the Prelate of the Order, Msgr. Luis Manuel Cuña Ramos, GCChC. Andy stressed that the prayer reminds members that our commitment to the sick and poor is Christian charity, not a secular philanthropy project. “As St. Theresa of Calcutta would say, ‘We don’t do it for something, but for Someone’ – Christ who we see present in the distressing disguise of the poor and the suffering,” he explained.

The meeting concluded with a reflection on St. John the Baptist as the “Advent Prophet” and St. Francis Xavier, patron of the missions, as the “Advent Saint,” both heralding the Good News of the Incarnation.

Later that day, Michigan Area members recited the Service Prayer as they prepared to take food and supplies to those living on the streets of Detroit. See “Michigan Area members brave bitter cold to take food, warm clothing to Detroit streets.”

The Michigan Area will hold its next First Saturday on January 3, 2026, at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greektown, Detroit.

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