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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Elizabeth Mullen |
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MASSACHUSETTS TO BE HONORED AT SPECIAL SERVICE WASHINGTON – On September 18, Massachusetts leaders and citizens will be celebrated at a special worship service at Washington National Cathedral. More than 300 pilgrims from the state and natives now living in the nation’s capital will gather at the majestic house of prayer for this special event. The Right Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts will deliver the sermon as guest preacher at Massachusetts State Day. Bay State worshipers will play key roles at the service, bearing communion elements and offering up gifts to the poor. Young people will take part in a grand opening procession waving colorful banners from their homes of worship. As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The cathedral honors each state with a major observance once every four years. “The National Cathedral Association invites all from Massachusetts to participate in this special day,” said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association. “Since 1899, when people first gathered on the Cathedral site, we have recognized that the strength of Washington National Cathedral is the citizens from across our nation and around the world who helped build this cathedral church, and who enliven it daily by worshiping here.” The Rev. Dr. Diane C. Kessler, executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, will be among religious leaders attending the event. Bishop Shaw will address the congregation from the historic Canterbury Pulpit, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his final Sunday sermon, and from where former Missouri senator John Danforth, an Episcopal priest, gave the homily at Ronald Reagan’s state funeral in June 2004. The flag of the Commonwealth will be featured in the procession into the 11 a.m. service marking Massachusetts State Day, and it will remain on the chancel steps for the following week. Invited guests include, Governor Mitt Romney, Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry, Massachusetts members of Congress, and members of the Massachusetts State Society, the organization of Bay State natives now living in the Washington area. After the service, the National Cathedral Association will host a reception for visiting worshipers. Afterwards, docents will lead guests on a special tour of the cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world, highlighting references to Massachusetts. For instance, woodwork in the Great Choir, St. Mary’s Chapel and Children’s Chapel was carved in the studios of Irving & Casson – A.H. Davenport and Company in Boston. Kneelers in St. John’s Chapel honor 44 leaders from the state including three presidents, Susan B. Anthony and Daniel Webster. References to the Bay State flower, the Mayflower, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Worcester, Harvard University, whalers, lighthouses and the Pilgrims can also be found in the cathedral’s glass and stone. “As a national house of prayer for all people, the cathedral opens its doors to all. On September 18, we especially welcome Massachusetts citizens and churches as we honor their contributions to our nation,” Andrews said. “Massachusetts State Day will be an energetic celebration of the Bay State and the role it plays in the life of the cathedral and our nation.” The National Cathedral Association (NCA) is the friends’ organization of Washington National Cathedral. It counts more than 14,000 members in every state and around the world who support the cathedral’s missions and ministries. The Cathedral’s lead volunteers helping to plan Massachusetts Day are Leslie James of Milton, and NCA regional leaders Nina Moriarty of Chestnut Hill and Robert McLean of Hardwick. ATTN PRINT MEDIA: If you desire e-mail transmission of this account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Elizabeth Mullen at the number above. Available on the web site are print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral. | |