Report: Solemn Consecration of the City of Aliquippa

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On Saturday, 4 June 2016, in a historic ceremony sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Woodlawn Council 2161, the City of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was solemnly consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The consecration was performed by the pastors of the three Catholic parishes located in Aliquippa, and the mayor.

Consecrators:

Reverend Father Paul C. Householder, Pastor

St. Titus Roman Catholic Church, Aliquippa

Reverend Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya, Pastor

St. George Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic Church, Aliquippa

Reverend Father Michael Polosky, Pastor

Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Aliquippa

The Honorable Dwan B. Walker

Mayor of the City of Aliquippa

The day's ceremonies began at 10:30 AM with a procession into St. George Church with the Icon of the Sacred & Immaculate Hearts.

The assembled faithful then prayed the Holy Rosary before the Icon.

At 11:00 AM the Divine Liturgy in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary began, with the Eastern Rite clergy in their traditional blue Marian vestments.

Deacon Thomas J. Klacik of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Ambridge, Pennsylvania, served the Divine Liturgy.  Also featured was the choir of Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ambridge, under the direction of Lisa Hladio.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the clergy and mayor knelt before the Icon and recited the solemn consecration prayers.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, the Knights of Columbus Woodlawn Council 2161 presented the pastors and mayor with framed icon prints, and the mayor presented the priests with solemn consecration proclamation certificates and city flags.

Mayor Walker, Fr. Shkyndya, Fr. Householder & Fr. Polosky

The day's events then moved to nearby St. Titus Church for a 1:00 PM Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass offered in thanksgiving for the consecration of the city.

Just prior to the start of Mass, Mayor Walker read the proclamation of consecration.

The procession into St. Titus Church was lead by the Knights of Columbus flag, followed by the St. Titus Christian Mothers and the St. Titus Holy Name Society.

Canon Jean-Marie Moreau of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest offered the Votive Mass of Christ the King.  Fr. Ladis J. Cizik served as deacon and Fr. David G. Rombold served as subdeacon.

The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh sang Mozart's Coronation Mass under the direction of Jon Eric Schreiber, Associate Conductor, with organist Bryan Lohr.

Catholic Family News sent a reporter to cover the day's ceremonies. Their article with photos can be viewed here.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

have mercy on us.

Immaculate Heart of Mary,

pray for us.