The Abbey Church's 50th Anniversary Celebration

On Saturday, July 16, 1966, more than a hundred religious dignitaries and hundreds of lay friends filled the nave of the Abbey Church to celebrate the formal dedication of the Abbey Church and the new monastery of St. Mary's Abbey. Fifty years later to the day, Saturday, July 16, 2016, another large gathering of religious dignitaries and lay friends joined the monks of St. Mary’s Abbey for Vespers to commemorate this remarkable milestone. Abbot Richard Cronin presided at Vespers, which also included monks from Newark Abbey and St. Vincent Archabbey, motherhouse of St. Mary's Abbey.

Following Vespers was a joyous reception in the Estabrook Dining Hall. On display were historical photographs and memorabilia of the Abbey. After Abbot Richard welcomed the assembled guests, Fr. Benet Caffrey, abbey archivist, provided a historical commentary. Emeritus Abbot Giles Hayes and Fr. Michael Tidd, abbey treasurer, shared with those in attendance the monks’ hopes and dreams for the next fifty years. Many thanks to all who joined us for this wonderful celebration, and those who will help us continue the celebration.