Reflecting on the theme “The Hail Mary: Prayer of Angels, Saints and Sinners” Rev. Michael Whalen, CM, will preach the Solemn Novena in preparation for the Feast of the Miraculous Medal. Bishop Raymond Chappetto will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist at our Feast Day Mass on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at 10:00 AM

Fr. Whalen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was ordained in 1983.  He is a liturgist and dogmatic theologian, and is an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York City where he lives.  Fr. Whalen teaches Marian Theology, and is the former Department Chairman in Theology.

The Most Reverend Raymond Chappetto, D.D., V.G., was born August 20, 1945, in Astoria, New York. He studied at Our Lady of Angels Seminary, Albany, where he holds a Master’s of Divinity. He also holds a Master’s of Arts in Religious Education from St. John’s University, and certified in Pastoral Counseling.

He was ordained on May 29, 1971, and was among the first to be involved in Team Ministry at Our Lady of Miracles, Canarsie, from 1983-89, where he ultimately became pastor. He served there until 1995 when he was named an Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn West. In 1999, he became pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, Floral Park, and was named Pastor of the Year in 2008 by the National Catholic Education Association. While remaining pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, Msgr. Chappetto was appointed Minister for Priests, and in 2009 was named Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life. In September 2013, he was named Vicar General.