The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
On Tuesday evening, December 8th at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Kingston the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was celebrated with a Diocesan Mass. This Feast of Our Lady marks the Patronal Feast of the Archdiocese. Our parish was represented by several parishioners who gathered to attend an evening of celebration and worship. the Most Rev. Brendan O’Brien, Archbishop of Kingston, celebrated the Mass assisted by Deacon Bill Gervais and Deacon John Ezard. Also present were most of the priests and deacons of the diocese as well as Archbishop Emeritus Francis J. Spence.
Coordinated by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission under the direction of Sr. Emily Doherty and Fr. John Hibbard, every part of the celebration maintained a beautiful atmosphere of prayer which began as the Cathedral’s Children’s Choir sang the familiar hymn “Immaculate Mary” and continued through to the recessional “Tell Out My Soul.” Special mention has to be made of two musical moments within the celebration: first, Fr. John Hibbard’s new textural setting entitled “O God of Life and Blessing” brought an immediate tone of joy and community as the Entrance Hymn and, second, at Meditation the choir’s singing of Imant Raminsh’s “Ave Verum” elevated the atmosphere of prayer, lifting everyone present. Aurora Dokken played the organ and prepared the cantor, choirs and instrumentalists for the celebration.
Two members of St. John the Baptist Parish were very visible during the celebration. Brent McLaren was asked to be the incense bearer (thurifer) for the celebration and his wife, Shelley McLaren was asked to read the Prayers of the Faithful. Prior to the recessional Sr. Doherty was honoured with two presentations from the Archbishop. Sr. Emily retires after 22 years of service as the Diocese Liturgy Director at the end of December.
More pictures from the celebration can be viewed by clicking here.
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