On Monday, January 5, the Lady Chapel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral was overflowing as the NYC Area rang in its spiritual New Year at the opening First Monday Mass of 2026. Celebrated by Rev. Joseph Cavoto, ChM, OFM, the Mass continued the Christmas season, with the Lady Chapel resplendent with poinsettias and resounding with Christmas hymns.
In his homily, Fr. Cavoto highlighted how three of the saints with feast days this week remind us of why we are a religious order, with our charisms of defense of the faith and service to the poor and sick. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. John Neumann were tireless in their promotion of the faith through Catholic education. St. André Bessette ministered to thousands of the infirm, many of whom were healed through the intercession of St. Joseph. Fr. Cavoto implored the congregation, particularly the younger members of the Order, to find ways during the New Year to deepen our Catholic footprint in our work of defense of the faith. And that we should not be alone in what we do — that, as God created us as social creatures, we are called to witness the faith together. At the end of Mass, we were honored to have Amb. Peter McGuire, GCMOb and Regent of the Subpriory of Our Lady of Lourdes, lead the recitation of the Daily Prayer of the Order.
Following Mass, the Area enjoyed fellowship and refreshments in a lively reception in the Dolan Room. This was the largest First Monday Mass in memory — please join us for the next First Monday Mass on February 2!
Please scroll through the slideshow below to see more photos from the Mass and reception.
[{"id":"78857","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/young-catholic-professionals-executive-panel-unpacks-the-virtue-of-charity-with-the-order-of-malta\/","name":"young-catholic-professionals-executive-panel-unpacks-the-virtue-of-charity-with-the-order-of-malta","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-20.png","alt":""},"title":"Young Catholic Professionals Executive Panel Unpacks the Virtue of Charity with the Order of Malta","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 20:10:32","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 20:11:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 20:11:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"Young Catholic Professionals (YCP) featured members of the Order of Malta for their Executive Panel Series event on \"The Virtue of Charity\" this past Tuesday,"},{"id":"78846","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/malta-walks-seek-jesus-in-the-poor-and-the-homeless-on-ash-wednesday\/","name":"malta-walks-seek-jesus-in-the-poor-and-the-homeless-on-ash-wednesday","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-19.png","alt":""},"title":"Malta Walks Seek Jesus in the Poor and the Homeless on Ash Wednesday","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 17:05:55","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 17:05:58","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 17:05:58","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-nyc\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - NYC<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":4},"status":"publish","content":"Members and Affiliates of the NYC Area and many volunteers gathered at St. Patrick's Cathedral this Ash Wednesday night for Malta Walks. The Cathedral's St."},{"id":"78841","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/vero-beach-area-celebrates-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-lourdes-2\/","name":"vero-beach-area-celebrates-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-lourdes-2","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-FL-VB-OLOL.png","alt":""},"title":"Vero Beach Area Celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 16:49:40","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 16:49:42","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 16:49:42","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/florida-vero-beach\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Florida - Vero Beach<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/florida-vero-beach\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Florida - Vero Beach<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":18},"status":"publish","content":"The Mass, Anointing of the Sick, a witness talk, and Lourdes water gesture were truly inspiring and meaningful for all who attended. We extend our"},{"id":"78837","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/north-east-connecticut-area-donates-coats-for-the-homeless\/","name":"north-east-connecticut-area-donates-coats-for-the-homeless","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-CT-NE-Coats.png","alt":""},"title":"North East Connecticut Area Donates Coats for the Homeless","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 16:40:09","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 16:40:11","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 16:40:11","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-north-east\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - North East<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-north-east\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - North East<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":57},"status":"publish","content":"Acts of kindness, great or small, are meaningful. Acts of kindness reflect our inner lives of faith, hope and love. Members of the Connecticut -"},{"id":"78833","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/20\/philadelphia-area-members-gather-for-saturday-salve-mass-and-service-activity\/","name":"philadelphia-area-members-gather-for-saturday-salve-mass-and-service-activity","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-PA-PH-Feb.png","alt":""},"title":"Philadelphia Area Members Gather for Saturday Salve Mass and Service Activity","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 20, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-20 16:35:05","modifiedDate":"2026-02-20 16:35:06","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-20 16:35:06","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/pennsylvania-philadelphia\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Pennsylvania - Philadelphia<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/pennsylvania-philadelphia\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Pennsylvania - Philadelphia<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":55},"status":"publish","content":"On the first Saturday of February, members of the Philadelphia Area, gathered for the Saturday Salve Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under"},{"id":"78789","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/reflection-for-the-first-sunday-of-lent\/","name":"reflection-for-the-first-sunday-of-lent","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Lent.png","alt":""},"title":"Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 21:06:27","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 21:06:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 21:06:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/chaplains-essays\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Chaplains' Corner<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/chaplains-essays\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Chaplains' Corner<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/tag\/home-scroller\/' rel='post_tag'>Home Scrolling News<\/a><a href='https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/tag\/home-slider\/' rel='post_tag'>Home Slider<\/a><a href='https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/tag\/mobile-app-scrolling-news\/' rel='post_tag'>Mobile App Scrolling News<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":5,"sec":27},"status":"publish","content":"The three temptations, or the three \u201cPs\u2019 and the three antidotes Once again, we have begun our journey of Lent together; that special time when"},{"id":"78786","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/missouri-area-prays-monthly-rosary-before-the-saint-john-paul-ii-monstrance\/","name":"missouri-area-prays-monthly-rosary-before-the-saint-john-paul-ii-monstrance","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-MO-Rosary.png","alt":""},"title":"Missouri Area Prays Monthly Rosary Before the Saint John Paul II Monstrance","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 21:03:09","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 21:03:10","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 21:03:10","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/missouri\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Missouri<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/missouri\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Missouri<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":21},"status":"publish","content":"Members of the Missouri Area had the honor of praying their monthly Rosary at the St. Clement of Rome Adoration Chapel in the presence of"},{"id":"78780","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/south-west-connecticut-areas-warm-clothes-appeal-brings-hope-this-winter\/","name":"south-west-connecticut-areas-warm-clothes-appeal-brings-hope-this-winter","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2-18.png","alt":""},"title":"South West Connecticut Area\u2019s Warm Clothes Appeal Brings Hope This Winter","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:57:06","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 20:57:07","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:57:07","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-western-northern-spirituality-in-action\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - Southern, Western & Northern<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/connecticut-western-northern-spirituality-in-action\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Connecticut - Southern, Western & Northern<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":23},"status":"publish","content":"Our January Warm Clothes Appeal was a tremendous success! The Connecticut - South West Area raised more than $5,000, which was used to purchase urgently"},{"id":"78775","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/northeast-florida-area-hosts-joyful-valentines-celebration-at-barry-manor\/","name":"northeast-florida-area-hosts-joyful-valentines-celebration-at-barry-manor","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/3-14.png","alt":""},"title":"Northeast Florida Area Hosts Joyful Valentine\u2019s Celebration at Barry Manor","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:42:28","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 20:42:29","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:42:29","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/florida-northeast\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Florida - Northeast<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/florida-northeast\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Florida - Northeast<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":50},"status":"publish","content":"A joyful St. Valentine\u2019s Day celebration was held for the residents of Barry Manor Apartments in Palatka, Florida on February 13. Knights, Dames, and Associates"},{"id":"78772","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/northeast-florida-areas-anointing-mass-celebrated-for-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-lourdes\/","name":"northeast-florida-areas-anointing-mass-celebrated-for-the-feast-of-our-lady-of-lourdes","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Northeast Florida Area's Anointing Mass Celebrated for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:31:05","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 20:31:07","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:31:07","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/florida-northeast\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Florida - Northeast<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/florida-northeast\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Florida - Northeast<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":31},"status":"publish","content":"On February 7, Northeast Florida Area members joined together with members from the Federal Association in Jacksonville for a special Anointing Mass in honor of"},{"id":"78767","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/new-jersey-area-volunteers-serve-festive-valentines-dinner-at-the-center\/","name":"new-jersey-area-volunteers-serve-festive-valentines-dinner-at-the-center","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1-16.png","alt":""},"title":"New Jersey Area Volunteers Serve Festive Valentine\u2019s Dinner at The Center","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:27:11","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 20:27:12","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:27:12","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-jersey-auxiliary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New Jersey<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-jersey-auxiliary\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New Jersey<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"On Sunday, February 15th, Knights, Dames, and candidates in their Year of Formation from the New Jersey Area gathered at The Center in Asbury Park"},{"id":"78764","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/2026\/02\/19\/westchester-area-serves-at-pots-in-the-bronx\/","name":"westchester-area-serves-at-pots-in-the-bronx","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2026-NY-W-POTS-Feb.png","alt":""},"title":"Westchester Area Serves at POTS in the Bronx","author":{"name":"tmazza","link":"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/author\/tmazza\/"},"date":"Feb 19, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:17:44","modifiedDate":"2026-02-19 20:17:45","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-02-19 20:17:45","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-westchester\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - Westchester<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/latest-news\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Latest News<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/orderofmaltaamerican.org\/category\/area-news\/new-york-westchester\/\" rel=\"category tag\">New York - Westchester<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":22},"status":"publish","content":"On Saturday, February 14th, members of the New York - Westchester Area volunteered at Part of the Solution (POTS) in the Bronx from 8:00 a.m."}]
About First Monday Mass
On the first Monday of each month, we gather for an evening Mass at 6:30 p.m. in the Lady Chapel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Mass is celebrated by one or more of our Area Chaplains. All are welcome to join Mass and fellowship afterwards.
