One of the great graces that we received during our ordination-pilgrimage to Rome, was Fr Magdala Maria, F.SS.R. celebrating his first Solemn Mass in the Borghese Chapel of St Mary Major basilica. This chapel houses the icon of Our Lady titled Salus Populi Romani which holy tradition tells us was painted by St Luke himself.
The altar with the image Salus Populi Romani enthroned above it.
Fr Magdala's mother and father eagerly await for their son to ascend the altar steps.
Crossing from the sacristy on the far side of the basilica, the procession enters the chapel.
Holy Mass begins.
We thank God for the grace of seeing two new priests in our Congregation.
The deacon, Fr Yousef Marie, F.SS.R. chants the gospel.
Father elevates the host which, by the power so recently given him through the Mercy of God, has now become the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The elevation of the chalice.
Preparing to distribute Holy Communion to the faithful. Thank God for new and holy priests who are to minister to the spiritual needs of the Church.
The beautiful cupula of the Borghese Chapel.
Father gives the final blessing:
Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus, Pater et Filius et Spiritus Sanctus. Amen
At the end of Mass the hymn of thanksgiving, the Te Deum, was sung.
The procession left the chapel as the tourists looked on.
Re-crossing the basilica and returning to the sacristy.