Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director of Catholic Charities New York, served as principal celebrant and homilist during the annual Mass in honor of Our Lady of Coromoto at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Our Lady of Coromoto is the patroness of Venezuela.

“May the love of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be with you always,” Monsignor Sullivan, celebrating the Mass in Spanish, said during welcoming remarks at the Mass, which was held the afternoon of Sunday, September 15. “Welcome all – and we give a great welcome to the Venezuelan community.” About 1,200 people attended.   

Later in the homily, Monsignor Sullivan spoke of the importance of the day’s celebration – honoring Our Lady of Coromoto. He also discussed the Holy Family’s journey from Bethlehem to Egypt, a sacred trek to avoid the dangers to Baby Jesus cited in Scripture. “With their son Jesus, they had to leave for another country,” Monsignor Sullivan said, noting the plight of immigrants from Venezuela and other nations coming to the United States.

He noted the importance of accepting that suffering is a part of life, the significance of remaining hopeful and faithful disciples of Christ, and the dedication that Catholic Charities New York maintains in the services it offers to immigrants, “in the name of Christ, to give welcome to people who need assistance to live in dignity in a new city, in a new country.”

In addition, Monsignor Sullivan said, “United we can support each other; united we can advance little by little to live a life that reflects more the love of God.” He stressed the significance of praying to Christ, and trusting in Him, adding, “Amid all of our worries, we need to give space for the presence of Jesus…Jesus crucified, and resurrected.”   

Magaly Rodriguez de Parada, 83, who was born in Venezuela, was among the faithful at the Mass. “This is a very important Mass, very beautiful,” she told The Good Newsroom afterward, citing the political and social unrest in her native land. “And it is important that we are here – present (to pray for Venezuela).” She is a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Bogota, New Jersey.

Also at the liturgical gathering was Maria E. Mohamad-Montoya, 29, who was born in Venezuela and attends Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. “The Mass was spectacular – with much sentiment, this Mass for Venezuela,” Mohamad-Montoya said, noting her gratitude for the special liturgy. “We know we are accompanied here.”   

Toward the end of the Mass, Monsignor Sullivan acknowledged the dedicated Catholic Charities work of Sister Martha Lopez, MSC, and Talia Lockspeiser – both of whom work closely with the immigrant community. “The Venezuelan people; they’ve suffered so much – we are helping them in any way we can,” Sister Martha told The Good Newsroom. 

The Mass is planned each year by the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of New York, together with the archdiocesan Our Lady of Coromoto Committee. The deacon of the Mass was Daniel Corniel from the Church of the Ascension in Manhattan. An image of Our Lady of Coromoto was featured in the entrance procession, and it was on display during Mass at the sanctuary steps. 

The story of Mary under the Coromoto title comes from her apparition to Chief Coromoto of the Cospes tribe near Guanare, Venezuela, in 1651 and again the following year.

After the second apparition, a small painting of her was discovered, depicted with the Child Jesus on her lap. Venezuelans celebrate Our Lady of Coromoto each year on February 2, September 8, and September 11 (September 11 is the official feast day). In 1942, Our Lady of Coromoto was declared the patroness of Venezuela.