This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Legion of Christ’s presence in St. Peter-St. Denis Parish. On June 29, 2022, the priests and parishioners celebrated its patron saint, St. Peter, with special solemnity.
Ten years ago, Father Joseph Espaillat (now Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York and the youngest bishop in the United States) handed over the parish to the care of Fathers Lino Otero, Helio Cantú, and Shane Johnson. Since that time, the Legionaries of Christ have directed a flourishing ministry in this largely Hispanic community.
To celebrate the anniversary, Father Donald Kaufmann LC, the current pastor of St. Peter’s-St. Denis invited Bishop Espaillat to celebrate his first Mass there as a Bishop, together with Fathers Helio Cantú, LC, Fr. Stephen Howe, LC, Fr. Daniel Ray, LC, and Fr. Eric Nielsen, LC. About 500 parishioners were present for the parish celebration.
Bishop Espaillat’s homily focused on the Church as “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic,” focusing especially on the latter point and what it means to be built on Peter and the Apostles. He thanked the Legionaries of Christ for the truly “Apostolic” spirit they have brought to the parish, mentioning their various parish missions and the annual “Siege of Jericho” events as examples.
Over the course of 10 years, the “Siege of Jericho” has been effective in inviting Catholics back to the Church and is bringing new people into the Church, as well. What is it about the “Siege of Jericho” that is attracting hundreds of people to this week-long gathering? Each night begins with 7:00 Mass, followed by 2-3 hours of songs, praise, prayer, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During the entire time, 3-5 Legionary of Christ priests are hearing confessions.
When the time of praise ends at the church, the Blessed Sacrament is brought to the chapel where a routine of prayers are said around clock for 7 days. The prayers include Psalms, the Jericho prayer, a prayer for deliverance, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Rosary, and a prayer to St. Joseph among others. Each group prays for 1 ½ hours. The next group of leaders picks up where the previous group left off. This daily routine of Mass, Adoration, Confession, and Prayer goes on for 7 days. Before the final Mass on Saturday, parishioners join in a Eucharistic procession around the church to bring to mind the Israelites marching around Jericho as the walls came tumbling down.
The Legionary priests and parishioners of St. Peter-St. Denis are doing all they can to break down the walls that keep people and groups apart and to bring healing to those who are carrying burdens that prevent them from fully experiencing the love of Christ. For the past 10 years, this event has been a source of healing, grace, and blessings and has brought many individuals and families back to the Sacraments.
The parish promotes this event through church announcements but also reaches out to the wider community by distributing flyers around the neighborhood.
This year, the “Siege of Jericho” event starts on August 20th and concludes on August 27th. Holy Mass begins at 7:00 p.m. followed by praise and songs of Adoration to Jesus exposed in the Blessed Sacrament until 10:30-11:00 (dependent on the Holy Spirit)! All are invited! For more info go to https://spyonkers.com/.
