On Monday, December 9, members of the New Jersey Area gathered at the Church of St. James in Basking Ridge to attend Mass for the transferred Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Mass was presided by Pastor and Area Chaplain Msgr. Sylvester Cronin, ChM, and concelebrated by other Area Chaplains: Msgr. William Fadrowski, ChM, Fr. Owen Moran, ChM, and Fr. Alex Nevitt, ChD. 

Msgr. Cronin preached on the beliefs around the Immaculate Conception, and mentioned its connection to the Order of Malta. The Order’s devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes and our annual pilgrimage there is intimately connected to these beliefs, as Our Lady appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous proclaiming “I am the Immaculate Conception.”

After Mass, members gathered at the Parish Rectory for refreshments. This was an opportunity for members to enjoy each other’s company this Advent season and also have the chance to speak to parishioners who may be interested in joining the Order. 

We thank Msgr. Cronin for allowing us to join his parish community on this Patronal Solemnity of our country.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!