On Monday, June 24, Members of the New York City and Westchester Areas celebrated the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in the Chapel at Mary Manning Walsh Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center. Also participating were Auxiliary and Associate members and guests, including Mary Manning Walsh residents and staff.

Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Edmund Whalen, ChC. Concelebrants included Rev. Msgr. Giuseppe Quirighetti, ChM, Counsellor to the Holy See Mission to the United Nations; Rev. Msgr. Robert Ritchie, GCChC; Rev. Joseph Cavoto, OFM, ChM; Rev. John Anderson of ArchCare; and Fr. Athanasius Murphy, O.P., Chaplain at Mary Manning Walsh. Deacon Jack Shea, ChDD proclaimed the Gospel and Deacon Paul Vitale assisted during the Eucharist.

Bishop Whalen preached on St. John’s leap in the womb when his mother met the Mother of our Lord. He reminded us that we are always guided by people of faith, as John guided the people to Christ. And he explained that at the time, John would have been viewed like so many people who we encounter and serve today on the streets of NYC.

Following Mass, ArchCare hosted a delightful reception on the 7th floor terrace, with delicious food, drink and music played by a trio of classical musicians.

Mary Manning Walsh and Terence Cardinal Cooke Healthcare Center are ArchCare facilities where the NYC Area has very active volunteering efforts.

Our thanks and gratitude to Bishop Whalen for celebrating our Mass and 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.