The first Spanish Mass ever offered at the Cathedral of Christ the King was one concelebrated by Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan, Monsignor John D. Stapleton and Fathers Raphael McDonald, Raymundo Solano, Jerry E. Hardy, David Patterson and John Mulroy.

Father Jerry Hardy was Master of Ceremonies. Monsignor Stapleton gave the opening address of greeting to the people, welcoming them and extending his hospitality in the name of the archbishop and all the priests.

Alfredo Ledon led the people as the lector in response to the archbishop's opening prayers. Father Patterson read the Gospel.

Archbishop Donnellan himself preached in Spanish and delivered a beautiful homily on the theme of peace in the Christmas season.

Father Raphael McDonald then prayed with the people the various petitions of the Prayers of the Faithful. The music of the Spanish choir of Sacred Heart Church added to the beauty and solemnity of the occasion.

There was a reception following the Spanish Mass which included a variety show, a raffle and Christmas gifts for the children.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the Spanish Mass was the number of Spanish-speaking people who attended. Estimates ranged from 800 to 1,000 persons present.

One sister remarked at the reception that she had never seen the gymnasium "filled with so many people." Many people expressed to Archbishop Donnellan their personal appreciation for this beautiful occasion. One lady even brought up to the archbishop a special Spanish dessert which she had cooked herself for him.

Grateful thanks are in order for all those persons, English- and Spanish-speaking, who gave unselfishly of themselves in order that the first Spanish Mass would be such a beautiful event.

In the future, a Spanish Mass will be offered at the Cathedral of Christ the King every third Sunday of the month at 3 p.m.