The Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin.

On Sunday, 15 August, following our own observance of the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin at Saint Paul's Parish, Deacon Alicia and I made our pilgrimage to the (Anglican) Sisters of Saint Mary's convent at the Episcopal Diocese of Albany's Spiritual Life Center in Greenwich, New York.

About 40 gathered for a lovely afternoon tea reception was held in a garden followed by Evensong and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The evening ended with a true feast of barbecue and freshly harvested vegetables and fruits. The Sisters are kind and gracious hosts.

O God, you have taken to thyself the blessed Virgin Mary,

mother of thy incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood,

may share with her the glory of thine eternal kingdom;

through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord,

who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

-At Saint Paul's-

A free-standing pedestal arrangement at the epistle side of the High Altar at Saint Paul's for
the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin.

Arrangements on the High Altar at Saint Paul's
for the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin.

-At Saint Mary's Convent-

In the garden at Saint Mary's Convent at the Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, New York.

From the garden at the Convent looking across the hills.

Some of the assembled enjoying an afternoon tea garden reception.

A statue of Saint Mary the Virgin at the entrance of the Convent Chapel.

Detail of a needlepoint kneeler appropriate for the day.