FROM KATHERINE HOYT: THE LOVE OF GOD AND GOD’S GREAT BEAUTY

For most of my life, St. Francis of Assisi had always seemed to me a man of incredible contradiction. He is primarily famous for two things, his irrepressible love and affection for God and His creation, and his severe ascetic lifestyle. I couldn’t understand how to reconcile those two facets of his character.

When we arrived in Assisi the trees were still green, but by the day we left they’d started to turn red and gold. Back in New York, we have now moved into the deepest days of Advent and Christmas is almost here. St. Francis is believed to have staged the first nativity scene in a cave outside the town of Greccio. Knowing more about him now, his connection to Advent seems appropriate to me. It is a season of solemnity and penance, but always in anticipation of the incarnation to come.

While staying at the guesthouse of the Sisters of the Atonement in Assisi, I read a later edition of G. K. Chesterton’s small 1923 biography of St. Francis, St. Francis of Assisi. In it, Chesterton attempts to explain his paradox of personality:

A man will not roll in the snow for a stream of tendency by which all things fulfil the law of their being. He will not go without food in the name of something, not ourselves, that makes for righteousness. He will do things like this, or pretty like this, under quite a different impulse. He will do these things when he is in love . . . The reader cannot even begin to see the sense of a story that may well seem to him a very wild one, until he understands that to this great mystic his religion was not a thing like a theory but a thing like a love affair. [1]

St. Francis saw the same world that everyone else does, but differently. He certainly had a darker tendency toward self-contempt, as he is quoted as having said “Who art thou, my dearest Lord God and what am I, your vile little worm, your useless servant?” [2] However, his focus always returns God’s great beauty, not self-debasement for its own sake. He understood asceticism and self-denial as positive expressions of love and means by which to move closer to God through detachment from the world and the self, descending lower in order to go higher.

Towards the end of our trip, we visited La Verna, a Tuscan mountain where St. Francis would retreat to fast and pray. It was on this mountain that, two years before his death, he would receive the stigmata, and from then on his health declined rapidly. La Verna is a beautiful place, high and remote, overlooking a richly forested valley below. I was moved by this juxtaposition of death and life, seeing the place where St. Francis’ story began to end so full of lush plants and trees almost 800 years later. The leaves were already beginning to turn then and I am sure now most of the trees are bare, but I have faith that in spring the green will come back. — KH

Katherine Hoyt, along with others from the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and the Society of Saint Francis, recently went on a pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. Katherine grew up in New York and currently lives in Queens. She studied geology at Stony Brook University and now works in the fine jewelry industry. Katherine is a member of the Saint Raphael’s Guild of Ushers and the Young Saint Marians Group, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Click here for another reflection on the Assisi pilgrimage, in a previous issue of The Angelus, by Br. Finnian Shannon, SSF.

PARISH PRAYERS

We pray for the people and clergy of our sister parish, the Church of All Saints, Margaret Street, London, and for the Anglican Church of Burundi, in the Anglican cycle of prayer.

We pray for those who have asked us for our prayers, for Alice, Loredana, Joshua, Irma, Ruth Ann, Rosemary, Holy, Becky, Bill, Elliot, Grady, Chris, Violet, Tod, Pat, Allen, Melvin, Vicki, Brendon, Nadia, Carol, Giovanna, Priya, Kavi, Ronald, Jose, Ben, Russell, Robert, Sandy, Lexi, Georgia, Desarae, David, Tony, Jan, Carlos, Liduvina, Quincy, Leroy, Margaret, and Robert; Victoria, Suzanne Elizabeth, and Laura Katherine, religious; Lind, deacon; and, Jay and Stephen, priests.

We pray for the repose of the souls of those who have died, especially Bob and Laverne, and for those whose year’s mind is on December 21: Reuben Chester Barrows (1881), Louis M. Schmidt (1885), Christopher Dixon Varley (1887), Rose Schmidt (1889), Harvey Lamb Lufkin (1896), Ida Blume (1914), Martha Gilbert Dickinson Bianchi (1943), and David Bruce Kennedy (1976).

SAINT MARY’S 2026 PLEDGE CAMPAIGN: A REPORT FROM THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Our numbers of people pledging for 2026 have increased again, yet we are still short of our $450,000 pledge total target. We are in contact with several faithful pledgers who prefer to pledge in the full light of 2026. Saint Mary’s pledge drive has always had a group of people who prefer to pledge in the new year, and we understand that choice. We will report now on a monthly basis and hope to show great success. Please note that even if your credit card or bank will make a payment every month, we know that only when you fill out a pledge card online or in person. Fill out a pledge card online or in the church and help us to recognize your support.

Some vital facts

$450,000 2026 pledge budget goal

By December 9 (sixth week of our campaign)
     $381,867 pledged
       85 pledges
       11 first-time pledges
       37 increased from 2025
       85% of 2026 pledge budget goal

AROUND THE PARISH

Christmas at Saint Mary’s — On Christmas Eve, we will offer Lessons and Carols at 4:00 PM. There will be Christmas Music at 9:30 PM and Solemn Mass begins at 10:00 PM. On Christmas Day, Solemn Mass is at 11:00 AM. Click here for our full liturgical schedule throughout Christmastide.

Volunteers needed for Christmas — The Flower Guild could use some extra hands if you’re available to assist between December 20 and December 24. We always have snacks, lots of coffee, and a great time together making the beauty of Christmas come to life. Please contact Brendon Hunter if you can volunteer.

Paradise Tree — After the Solemn Mass this Sunday, we will recreate a medieval Paradise Tree in our parish hall. Apples to symbolize the Fall are added to (unconsecrated!) hosts to symbolize our great salvation, and we’re throwing in Christmas cookies and lights as well. Come join us!

Donations for Christmas Flowers — Donations are needed for Christmas Flowers from members and friends of Saint Mary’s to make the festive decorations possible. Click here to donate online for Christmas flowers. Any amount is welcome and will go to creating everything from the crèche installation to the wreaths and garlands that will adorn our buildings. Checks can be mailed to the church, please note “Christmas Flowers” on the memo line. Christmas flower donation envelopes are also available at the usher's table in the back of the church and can be left in any shrine box or in the offering basket during services.

Board Transitions — Dr. Charles Morgan and Ms. Mary Robison recently finished their terms and have rotated off the Board of Trustees. Thank you for your service and leadership! Dr. Mark Risinger, Dr. Carl Grindley, and Mr. Steven Heffner have joined the board. The current officers of the board are Fr. Sammy Wood, president, Mr. Clark Mitchell, vice president, Mrs. Grace Mudd, treasurer, and Ms. Katherine Hoyt, secretary. The other members of the board whose terms continue in 2026 are Ms. Patricia Ahearn, Mr. Steven Eldredge, Ms. Renee Pecquex-Burroughs, and Ms. Reha Sterbin. Please pray for the members of our Board of Trustees who faithfully serve this parish.

2026 Saint Mary's Calendars are now available! — The suggested donation for each calendar is $20 in-person and $25 online (which includes shipping) and $40 for international shipping. Click here to order your calendar online and here for a sample of the 2026 calendar. Calendars are available in-person after Solemn Masses and Evensong & Benediction in Saint Joseph’s Hall during the month of December 2025 and beginning of January 2026. Saint Mary’s Flower and Altar Guilds have produced the calendar and all proceeds will help fund critical guild restoration needs. Please contact Brendon Hunter with any questions about the 2026 Saint Mary’s calendar.

Rosary Guild — The Rosary Guild next meets on Sunday, December 28, after the 11:00 AM Mass, to pray the rosary. All are welcome.

Adult Formation — Adult Formation is on Christmas break until January 18. In January, we will resume with a Foundations Course on the spiritual life taught by Fr. Sammy Wood. Click here to see what we have planned for next semester.

Interested in being Confirmed? — Please speak with Fr. Sammy Wood if you are interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation or being received into the Episcopal Church (for those already confirmed in another Christian denomination). Confirmation class begins in early 2026 and will prepare candidates to be confirmed at Bp. Allen Shin’s visit on Pentecost.

Hosts Needed for Coffee Hours — Community is a vital part of life in our parish, and every Sunday we host a Coffee Hour after the 11:00 AM Mass to welcome newcomers, foster fellowship, and build relationships among Saint Marians. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of Coffee Hour at Saint Mary’s, and we are building teams of at least two people to host once a month or so. That's why we need you! If you’d like to be on a team, contact Fr. Sammy or give your name to Renee Wood on Sunday in the Parish Hall.

Thursday Bible Study — Thursday evening Bible study in 2025-2026 is based on the Sunday lectionary for the upcoming Sunday and generally will be led by the preacher for that day. We meet over Zoom at 6:00 PM. If interested, please email Fr. Wood for the link.

Grant Writer Needed — From time to time, Saint Mary’s becomes aware of grant opportunities, and we are seeking a volunteer to research these opportunities and write persuasive proposals. Key skills include strong research, writing, organizational, communication, and project management abilities, as well as a deep understanding of our parish mission. If you are able to help, please contact Chris Howatt in the parish office.

Neighbors in Need — As it grows colder, the needs of our visitors change. Our first priority now is warm jackets and coats. We are also in serious need of men’s large winter tops and sweaters. Our additional priority needs are practical shoes (no dress shoes or high heels), jeans and cords, and sweaters and tops. Thanks to a generous gift at our October drop-by, we were able to provide new jeans for every visitor. Thanks to your donations we are also able to purchase toiletries and underwear, especially thermals. Please speak to MaryJane Boland or Marie Rosseels for more information or send an email to neighbors@stmvnyc.org.

THE DIOCESE AND WIDER CHURCH

Installation of Canon Victor Conrado — Canon Victor Conrado, who previously served as an assisting priest and was in residence at Saint Mary’s, will be installed as Canon for New York City on Saturday, December 20, at 10:00 AM at Saint Philip’s Church in Harlem. The Rev. Yejide Peters Pieterson will preach. All are welcome.

Reparations Hearings — Dr. John Derek Norvell shares that a series of hearings concerning reparations and New York slavery are being held by Gov. Hochul. He has formed a committee which will schedule a meeting with one of the state senators, Cordell Cleare, after Christmas. Dr. Norvell, along with scholars and others who are involved, want hearings be held in NYC as well as upstate and also to have some dates in the initial documents corrected. He notes that these events have an important impact on the 400th anniversary of the African American community of New York and the celebration of the Pinkster year from May 2026 through May 2027. For additional information, or to get involved, please contact John Derek at jnorvell759@gmail.com.

Choral Evensong at the Cathedral: Our Wildest Imagining — The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine invites you to a special evensong featuring the New York premiere of Dominick DiOrio’s “Our Wildest Imagining.” It is a piece commissioned by a consortium of organizations, partners, and friends across the United States to honor the Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, and all LGBTQIA+ Episcopalians in the Diocese. The moving text is comprised of words from sermons, stories, and sayings by Bishop Robinson as well as quotations from Psalm 27. Sunday, December 21, at 4:00 PM. Livestream available here. All are welcome to attend.

Saint John the Divine’s New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace — Ring in the new year with the Cathedral’s New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace, a beloved tradition now in its 41st year. The program features a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, performed by a stellar cast of soloists and the Cathedral Choir and Orchestra. Poignant commentary by the renowned journalist Harry Smith also promises to move and inspire. Click here for tickets and more details.

ABOUT THE MUSIC AT SOLEMN MASS ON THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The organ Prelude on Sunday is the more extended of two organ settings for Magnificat, the Song of Mary, on the first psalm-tone by Dieterich Buxtehude (1637–1707). This piece divides clearly into two principal sections, each with four sub-sections and a coda. While bits of the fantasia style are in evidence, most of the sub-sections are clearly in imitative counterpoint. Some researchers have taken pains to identify the first psalm tone as it lay concealed in Buxtehude’s counterpoint. It is conceivable that the sub-sections of this work were intended to be performed in alternatim with verses of Magnificat sung to chant. However, the several sections of the piece work together well when played continuously without the insertion of chant verses. As is often the case, distinguished historic music lends itself to a variety of reasonable interpretations. Performers, therefore, are challenged creatively to seek appropriate performance solutions and let the hearers delight.

The setting of the Mass is Missa Dixit Maria by Hans Leo Hassler (1564–1612). Born in Nuremberg and baptized on October 26, 1564, Hassler’s musical career bridged the late Renaissance to the early Baroque periods. His initial musical instruction was from his father, Isaak Hassler (c.1530–1591). Hans Leo left home in 1584 to study in Venice with Andrea Gabrieli (c.1532–1585) and become a friend and fellow pupil with Gabrieli’s nephew Giovanni (c.1554–1612). Thus, Hassler was one of the first of a succession of German composers to experience in Italy the musical innovations that were shaping what would later be identified as baroque style. Hassler was recognized in his day not only as a composer, but also as an organist and a consultant on organ design. Although he was a Protestant, Hassler’s early compositions were for the Roman church. His Missa Dixit Maria, published in 1599, is a parody Mass with themes borrowed from his own motet Dixit Maria ad Angelum. The text of the source motet recounts Mary’s words to the angel of the Annunciation, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me, according to your word.”

The Great “O” Antiphons traditionally surrounded Magnificat at Vespers on the seven evenings before Christmas Eve. Each is addressed to Christ, by way of one of his scriptural attributes, entreating him to come. They conflate relevant scriptural texts and are distinguished by their consistent formal structure. Each is headed with the vocative “O” for which they are known. The “O” precedes a Messianic title from scripture, which is followed by an explanation or characterization of that title. This address is followed by the request: veni, come, and a further projection of what is hoped for as a result. This structure aligns entirely with what we have in our Prayer Book Collects: an address to God, often with further description of God, followed by a request or petition, often with the context or rationale for that request. So, the Great “O” Antiphons are as much ancient prayers as they are acclamations. These antiphons share a distinctive ancient Mode 2 chant melody, but they also have inspired many choral settings over the centuries. David Hurd composed a cycle of the Great “O” Antiphons, one per year from 2017 to 2023. His settings of O Oriens (O Morning Star) and O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations), sung as Communion motets on Sunday, are the fifth and sixth antiphons of the cycle. O Oriens is set for a choir of four high voices singing in alternation with four low voices. All eight voices join for the word “veni.” O Rex Gentium employs all eight voices in its stately outer sections, while its center section reduces to four imitating voices. Traditionally, the antiphon O Oriens is sung at Vespers on December 21, and O Rex Gentium is sung on December 22, although an alternative English practice dating from Medieval times launched each antiphon of the cycle one day earlier.

The postlude on Sunday is by the celebrated African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork (b. 1941) Hailstork is professor of composition at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. In his Toccata on “Veni Emmanuel” one can hear fragments of the fifteenth-century Advent hymn O come, O come Emmanuel, based upon the Great O Antiphons, although the entire hymn melody is never stated fully. The unusual meter of five beats to the measure gives the Toccata a curious off-balanced rhythmic energy. The harmonic dissonances, particularly near the end of the piece, may well characterize a world in chaos awaiting the birth of the Prince of Peace.

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Saint Mary’s is a vibrant Anglo-Catholic witness in the heart of NYC. With our identity in Christ and a preference for the poor, we are an inclusive, diverse community called to love God and each other for the life of the world.

This edition of The Angelus was written and edited by Father Matt Jacobson, except as noted. Father Matt is also responsible for formatting it on the parish website and distributing it via mail and e-mail, with the assistance of Christopher Howatt, parish administrator, and parish volunteer, Clint Best. If you have an idea for an article that you would like to publish in an upcoming issue of The Angelus, Father Matt would be happy to discuss it with you.

[1] Chesterton, G. K. (1960). St. Francis of Assisi. Hodder and Stoughton.
[2] House, A. (2003). Francis of Assisi: A revolutionary life. Hiddenspring.