Quinquagesima Sunday was the occasion for the first Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form sponsored by the Diocese of Trenton since the restoration of the Traditional Mass.
Approximately 650 people filled the Church of St. Anthony in Hamilton, NJ. A large romanesque structure, complete with a vaulted coffered ceiling, the original polychromatic marble altar in ciborium, with heavy mosaic. Located within the neighborhoods of the state capital, St. Anthony’s is one of the most beautiful and historically significant churches in the Diocese of Trenton, built as a Franciscan parish in the mid-20th Century.
The Mass setting was Franz Schubert’s Mass in G Major, expertly sung and accompanied by students of Westminster Choir College, in Princeton, NJ. The students commented that, after having previously performed this Mass setting in concert, by singing it in its intended context, they were able more profoundly to appreciate its beauty and integrity.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Brian Patrick Woodrow (Ord. ’06), the Trenton Diocesan Liason for the Extraordinary Form. The Deacon was Rev. Kevin J. Kimtis (Ord. ’11), the subdeacon was Rev. H. Todd Carter (Ord. ’11). All three being junior clergy of the Diocese of Trenton. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Carlo Santa Teresa.
With the generous support of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Father Woodrow has been commissioned to promote and coordinate the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass throughout the Diocese of Trenton, assisted by the Diocesan Office of Worship.
More information is available at www.latinmasstrenton.org
