BOSTON — A variety of Masses, presentations and vigils, featuring music and ministries, were offered last week to visitors and regulars of St. Anthony Shrine here.
Among the activities were communal penance services held twice during the week, traditional Stations of the Cross, and a celebration of the Lord’s Passion held on Good Friday.
The Shrine’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper was held on Holy Thursday. Like many of the Shrine’s services, it included well-practiced music – both vocal and instrumental – by members of the Shrine’s music staff.
After the Mass, a reception was held for friars, staff, board members and invited guests including representatives of the Provincial Office. The event in the friary that included a cocktail reception and a dinner was organized by Nicole Aucoin, assistant to David Convertino, who said that more than 200 attended.
“This Holy Thursday liturgy is very special to us,” said John Maganzini, one of the Shrine’s vicars. “We commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and Jesus’ command to ‘wash feet’ (service) because both of these –.celebration of Eucharist and service — are important in the day-to-day life of St. Anthony Shrine. The celebration of Mass each day with a number of Masses on the schedule and “service” in a number of ministries depicts the friars’ life and ministry at St. Anthony Shrine.
On Good Friday, a dramatic presentation of the Stations of the Cross was performed three times by the Arch Street Players of St. Anthony Shrine. The group included David Convertino , Gary Convertino, Catherine Beatty, Jennifer and Peter Galea, Tom Bergeron, Don Holm, Jr., Sarah Powell, and David Wade. It was described as “an unforgettable religious experience.”
Shown in photo are Gene Pistacchio, Philip O’Shea and Raphael Bonanno at the Holy Thursday reception.