Fraternity Celebrates Second Anniversary Mass
Praying for those involved in cinema and theatre
© The Fraternity of St Genesius 2009
Fr Patrick Moore delivered the homily. Fr Moore was the first priest to join the Fraternity in 2007 and has been a great support since its foundation. In his homily he reflected on the mission of the Fraternity in the light of the life and teaching of St Paul. Recognising the importance of the Pauline Year, Fr Moore encouraged members to see that their mission is vital, that the areas of cinema and theatre are areas of great promise for the preaching of the Gospel and promotion of Christian values, but an area which held many difficulties and even dangers. As St Paul sought to make Christ known in the world, the Fraternity, in true Pauline fashion, must seek to make him known to the men and women in the arts today.
Fr Moore also spoke of the Fraternity’s apostolate to those who suffer with epilepsy. Referring to the condition as one which is borne mostly in silence, he saw the patronage of St Genesius as bringing hope to those who lived with it, convincing them that they were not alone: they have a patron who will watch over them.
Most of the Mass was sung, parts of it in Latin, including the Eucharistic Prayer. St Peter’s Male Voice Choir, one of Ireland’s leading amateur choral groups, sang Charles Gonoud’s Messe Solennelle de Sainte Cecile, led by conductor and organist Edward Holly. The Mass began with a choral rendition of the new hymn to St Genesius, and other motets were sung at the Offertory and during Communion.
Fr Moore also spoke of the Fraternity’s apostolate to those who suffer with epilepsy. Referring to the condition as one which is borne mostly in silence, he saw the patronage of St Genesius as bringing hope to those who lived with it, convincing them that they were not alone: they have a patron who will watch over them.
Most of the Mass was sung, parts of it in Latin, including the Eucharistic Prayer. St Peter’s Male Voice Choir, one of Ireland’s leading amateur choral groups, sang Charles Gonoud’s Messe Solennelle de Sainte Cecile, led by conductor and organist Edward Holly. The Mass began with a choral rendition of the new hymn to St Genesius, and other motets were sung at the Offertory and during Communion.
The climax of the Fraternity’s celebration of the second anniversary took place on the evening of Monday the 19th January with a Solemn Sung Mass of the Holy Spirit in St Mary’s Church, Drogheda. Chief celebrant was Fr John Hogan, Father Director; homilist was Fr Patrick Moore, PP, VF, and they were joined by Fr Denis Nulty, Parish Priest St Mary’s Parish, Fr Owen Gorman and Fr Martin Carley. The music was provided by St Peter’s Male Voice Choir, conducted by Edward Holly. A large crowd of members and non members were present, including a number, members and non-members, who travelled on an organised coach from Offaly to attend. The Mass began at 7.30pm.
Fr John welcomed those present and said that the Mass was being offered both as a thanksgiving for blessings received, but also as a means of asking the Holy Spirit to guide the Fraternity in its mission. He said that the Fraternity had much work to do: as the family of prayer devoted itself to interceding for and supporting those in the theatrical and cinematic arts, it also had to follow the will of the Holy Spirit in assisting the Church in the renewal of culture. This required discernment and fidelity and only docility to the promptings of the Holy Spirit will enable the Fraternity see what God wanted it to do. He asked those present to pray that the Fraternity would always be open to the voice of God.
During the Mass, Councillor John Cahill and member Rachel McKeever read the readings. Rachel is a member of the new Christian drama group, the St Genesius Company, recently founded with the assistance of the Fraternity. The new group aim to explore and perform some of the many great Christian theatrical works. Two other members of the Company, Tara Kelly and Martin O’Connor presented the gifts at the Offertory. Councillor Sr Carmel Casey, DC, led the prayers of the faithful.
At the end of the Mass, Father Director thanked all who had come and encouraged the members to spread the word about the Fraternity. Following the singing of the plainchant, Salve Regina, an organ voluntary brought the Mass to an end. Afterwards those present came forward to venerate the relics of St Genesius.
An informal reception followed in St Mary’s Parish Centre. Member Relations Secretary, Mary Cahill, organised a veritable feast and members of the congregation enjoyed the variety of sandwiches, cakes and other goodies, while having an opportunity to meet and talk.
An informal reception followed in St Mary’s Parish Centre. Member Relations Secretary, Mary Cahill, organised a veritable feast and members of the congregation enjoyed the variety of sandwiches, cakes and other goodies, while having an opportunity to meet and talk.
