Celebration of "Mercy" Weekend

This past weekend was a moment of tremendous grace for our local Community in Philadelphia.  The Friars and postulants spent the actual day of the Feast of Our Lady of Ransom on an outing to Lancaster County to ride on a vintage "Victorian' train, in a car aptly named "Marian".  Following the ride, we also visited the Train Museum and were able to see a slew of trains from different periods in "locomotive history".  It was a day of community bonding and fraternity.

Throughout the day we had different moments to express out community.....

crazy

fraternity

strangely scary

"Mortal Kombat"-esque

Laughter

Adventurous!

The Evening before, the community at the Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, offered Solemn First Vespers for the Solemnity. The Monastery was joined by the local community at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, the Legion of Mary from St. Charles -Drexel Hill, the Third Order of Mercy, and the Rev. Louis Kolenkiewicz, Chaplain to the Knights of Mercy, and Pastor of Our Lady of Peace, Milmont Park.  Solemn Vespers took place in the 'Chapel of Our Holy Mother of Mercy', which is where the friars at the Monastery have their daily prayers and Holy Mass.  After prayers, there was a small Gaudeamus, as in light refreshments and "fellowship".

Fr. Matthew, O. de M., leading the ritual prayers with the Legion of Mary

Fr. Matthew, following Solemn Vespers.

Fr. Louis Kolenkiewicz, Chaplain to the Cavaliere della Mercede

Bro. Matthew Levis, O. de M., assigned to the Novitiate House in LeRoy

Some of the brothers enjoying a conversation with one of our Tertiaries, Mr. Philip Johnson, seminarian

Br. David M., O. de M., Philip G. Johnson, Josiah Ross (postulants)

Fr. James Mayer, O. de M., Superior and Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, Philadelphia, chatting with Fr. Kolenkiewicz

Br. James Chia, O. de M., speaking one of our Tertiaries