New Traditional Latin Mass in Queens

I wanted to give a little report about the Queens Mass, which seemed to go really well.

The chapel is very lovely, although some of the stone facing has been removed to expose the brickwork... it looks like there is some water damage or something. But Latin Mass-wise it couldn't be nicer, I think, as the new altar either isn't there or is removable, and the Communion rail is still present. The artwork of the altar is very beautiful, as you can see in the pictures I've attached. And the stained glass windows are pretty. It fits about 150 people, I'd say.

I was mostly in the back due the machinations of my daughter and was able to count about 85 people in the pews, so with the servers and singers, etc. I would say 90 people were there. I spoke with Dorothy McMahon who said there were 75 people at the Brooklyn Mass later on, which is the usual number, so I'm wondering if St. Agnes was greatly affected? If not, then hopefully all three Masses can co-exist and edify our lovely city. And grow!

Father Massa did a great job and gave a very heart-felt sermon. Jim Krug was the Master of Ceremonies, and there are some young lads there who can learn to serve. An especial thanks should go out to Valeria K. and Joyce L. for coming and singing so beautifully for the Mass. And then there are so many thank yous for the people who donated items for the Mass - Patty J. gave 100 red missals, David Lane donated white vestments, Kari R. brought green vestments and altar cards from an organization in Ohio that is dedicated to preserving tradition (I will pass on more info on that org later), Una Voce Bronx offered missals and altar cards, Chuck Lowry, Peter Cardillo and Dorothy M. helped organize everything, and so many others offered money or ideas... this has truly been a group effort. Especial thanks to Msgr. Vaccari who so tirelessly worked on this whole project, a very lovely person, and to Bp. DiMarzio who permitted it all and who a year ago said to us "Whatever you want, I will try and provide for you."

But I think the biggest Deo Gratias needs to go to Fr. Massa who appeared from nowhere like a white knight, not even knowing the Mass, who took on not only learning it but being pastor to the community. Thank you so much for being the means by which this could all come about, Father! And thanks be to God!