The actual celebration of this Patronal Feast of the Congregation was preceded by a meeting of the available Stigmatine confreres – in preparation for the visit of the Council of Superiors perhaps in September. A number of proposals were discussed to be presented to the next bi-annual meeting of the Confreres, set for the Feast of the Stigmata, the week after Easter.

The principal celebrant was the Provincial, the Very Rev. Gregory Hoppough, CSS.  He was vested in a custom-made chasuble, the work of the nearby Trapppists. The actual portrait sewed into the back of the vestment was taken from an earlier vestment that was beyond repair – so this vestment also continued the tradition.

We were also blessed by the presence of a number of the Stigmatine confreres,  and by some members of the Stigmatine Laity. So many of our thoughts and prayers were directed toward Fr. Henry Linse,  CSS, who died on January 16th, just a week ago, and whose funeral was celebrated just two days ago.  Furthermore, Fr. Joseph  Connolly, CSS, – former  Superior of St. Joseph’s Hall here – stayed in our prayers as well, since he is presently on a life-support system at the  Lahey Clinic.

The sermon  for the Feast was offered by the Stigmatine Laity Chaplain – and this can be found in this document:

St. Gaspar Bertoni’s Apostolic Mission and his “Espousals Principle”, study specially prepared by Father Joseph Henchey for the feast of the Holy Espousals, 2015

This happy celebration then was continued in the dining hall of this building for all who attended. Snow is predicted, so some of the Confreres [from Springfield and Pittsfield] wanted to return to their homes before the snows came.

We look forward now to the spring-time celebration of the Feast of the Stigmata.

Rev. JosephHenchey, CSS
Stigmatine Laity Acting Chaplain

Friday, January 23, 2015 – St. Joseph’s Hall, Waltham, MA.