On Monday, September 8, over 100 Knights, Dames, Affiliates, and guests gathered at the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan to celebrate the Feast Day Mass of Our Lady of Philermo and The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Most Reverend Paul Sanchez, ChC, retired Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was the principal celebrant. The Mass was said in memory of Rory Kelleher, GCMOb. Please scroll through the slideshow below to see more photos from the Mass and reception.

In his homily, Bishop Sanchez drew on three rich readings: the Prophet Micah’s vision of a new king who would restore peace and be associated with the house of God; Saint Paul’s soaring declaration to the Romans that all things work for good for those who love God, and that if God is for us, no one can be against us; and the infancy narrative from Matthew, in which the Holy Spirit is now present in the most intimate way, in the conception of the child in Mary’s womb. When Joseph receives the angel in a dream, he is asked to set aside his own plans and trust. And he does: simply, completely, without argument. The angel says do not be afraid, and Joseph acts.

Bishop Sanchez connected this thread of trust and faithful obedience to the Order’s own history with Our Lady of Philermo. For over seven centuries, he reminded us, she has accompanied the Order through the bleakest of conditions, and the Order has continued its work for the poor and the sick, often in the face of opposition and danger, because we have continued, like Joseph, to say yes. He invited us to pray that she continue to guard and guide our Order, and all of us, in the fulfillment of that same work for the poor, for the sick, and for peace.

Following Mass, guests gathered for a festive reception and fellowship in the parish house of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The NYC Area extends its gratitude to Bishop Sanchez for once again celebrating this special Feast Day Mass with us, and to Fr. Daniel Ray and the staff of Old St. Patrick’s for hosting our celebration and for their gracious hospitality.