Solemn First Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia

Father Heffernan will return to the Delaware Valley and celebrate two Masses of Thanksgiving. His First Solemn Mass, of course in the Extraordinary Form, will take place at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, PA, on Trinity Sunday, June 15, at 2:00 PM. He will then return to Mater Ecclesiae to celebrate his second Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 PM, followed by the traditional Eucharistic Procession.

If you are anywhere near Philadelphia and you love the Traditional Latin Mass, please make every effort to attend the First Mass at the Cathedral Basilica. It is hoped that this Mass will be a great manifestation of congratulations to Father Heffernan, an expression of love and support for the sacred priesthood, and a manifestation of the enthusiasm, strength, and vibrancy of the Traditional Latin Mass movement. Of course, you are also invited to the Mass on Corpus Christi.

There is more good news to share about vocations at Mater Ecclesiae. Over the past several years two young ladies and one young man have entered the Carmelite Order. Marissa Consoli, now Sister Maravillas of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, is a member of the Carmel in Elysburg, PA, Kathleen Gilbert, now Sister Mary Magdalene of Jesus Crucified, is a member of the Carmel in Buffalo, NY, and a young man, Thomas Heffernan, now Brother Seraphim of the Assumption, and also the brother of Father Heffernan, is a professed choir monk at the Carmelite Monastery in Wyoming. Finally, even though he was a seminarian before joining Mater Ecclesiae, Father Michael Magiera, FSSP, who just celebrated his 9th anniversary as a priest, is counted as one of our native sons.

A prayer for vocations has been said publicly, every day, since the foundation of Mater Ecclesiae. It was composed by the great Msgr. Richard Schuler of Saint Agnes, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Please accept this adaptation of the prayer and consider saying it at your parish every day: