Rev. Michael Whalen, CM, iwill preach the Solemn Novena in preparation for the Feast of the Miraculous Medal. Bishop Raymond Chappeto will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist at our Feast Day Mass on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at 10:00 AM

His theme will be “The Hail Mary: Prayer of Angels, Saints and Sinners”

Watch Solemn Novenas Here >>

Fr. Whalen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was ordained in 1983.  He is a liturgist and dogmatic theologian, and is an associate professor at St. John’s University in New York City where he lives.  Fr. Whalen teaches Marian Theology, and is the former Department Chairman in Theology.

He was ordained on May 29, 1971, and was among the first to be involved in Team Ministry at Our Lady of Miracles, Canarsie, from 1983-89, where he ultimately became pastor. He served there until 1995 when he was named an Episcopal Vicar for Brooklyn West. In 1999, he became pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, Floral Park, and was named Pastor of the Year in 2008 by the National Catholic Education Association. While remaining pastor of Our Lady of the Snows, Msgr. Chappetto was appointed Minister for Priests, and in 2009 was named Vicar for Clergy and Consecrated Life. In September 2013, he was named Vicar General.
“I am honored and humbled that the Holy Father would entrust me with such an important ministry in the life of the Church,” said then-Monsignor Chappetto upon his elevation to Bishop. “The work of visiting the sick, as well as teaching in our parochial school and celebrating the Sacraments, has kept me grounded for the 41 years of my priesthood. Despite the greater responsibilities of my new office, I intend to be faithful to those ministries which have been so nourishing to me these many years.”Bishop Chappetto was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope John Paul II in 1997. He speaks English and Italian.