Order of Malta

News

Philadelphia Area Celebrates Vigil of Candlemas and the Celebration of the Presentation of Our Blessed Lord in the Temple

02/21/2024 

Earlier this month, on the first of February, Members of the Order of Malta joined Father Samuel Keyes, Pastor, Deacon Roger Converse, and parishioners at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bridgeport, for the Vigil of Candlemas.  Father Matthew Brody–chaplain to the Philadelphia Region, Federal Association–was the guest homilist for this Mass. The splendid program included powerful sacred music, such as Josquin des Prez’s Missa Mater Patris. Holy Mass on this eve of Candlemas was particularly evocative, the sanctuary being lit only by candles, and the rest of the church entirely dark except for appropriate times where congregants held their own lit candles. Incense rising, and the church dimly lit, the night harkened back to our history, and provided a unique opportunity and stunning environment for reflection and prayer together.

Order of Malta

American Association, U.S.A
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish House
14 E 51st Street
New York, NY 10022
(212) 371-1522