Christmas in Forest Hills

Shortly before Midnight Mass—which actually took place at midnight!— from my parish, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Forest Hills, NY.

The liturgy was breathtaking: 40 altar servers, five priests, one deacon, full choir, a trumpet, and an eloquent homiletic meditation on “O Holy Night” by our pastor, Bishop Paul Sanchez—who reflected on the phrase “Long lay the world, in sin and error pining” and made a prayerful and poignant connection to the horrific deaths of the two police officers in our city last week.

The church was packed—easily 1200 people, maybe more. It was a stunning liturgy—from the opening candlelit processional to the creche to the strains of “Once in Royal David’s City” to the triumphant conclusion with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” I wouldn’t want to spend Christmas Eve anywhere else.

Merry Christmas, from my corner of Queens.