Holy Name Induction Ceremony at St. Thomas More

What is the Holy Name Society?

This confraternity of laymen traces its origins to a society founded in the fifteenth century by Didacus of Victoria.

Devotion to the Holy Name had been growing for three centuries since the Council of Lyons in 1274 called for greater devotion to the Holy Name. The Dominican Order has played a pivotal role in promoting the Society and devotion. Before the Second Vatican Council chapters thrived in parishes across the United States. Like so many devotions and aids to salvation, the confraternity declined throughout the years following the Council. Members commit themselves to avoid blasphemy, profanity, and unclean speech. There is also a strong emphasis on proper respect due to legitimate authorities, civil and religious.

In many ways, the promises made by members are no more than is expected of any Catholic man. Yet, Holy Mother Church knows that we need tangible acts of commitment to aid us in fulfilling duties that already exist flowing from our baptism. Members of the Holy Name Society are called to be spiritual leaders in their parish and communities. That is one reason for the monthly corporate communion. The members of a parish Holy Name Society commit to receiving communion together publicly once a month to witness their commitment. 

Holy Name Society at St. Thomas More

As with so many of the discarded Catholic traditions, the Society of St. Pius X has encouraged and supported the establishment of Holy Name Society chapters in the communities under their care. St. Thomas More has had a Holy Name Society for many years and its members have served as a support to the temporal work of the priory.

This year eight men took the pledge and were inducted into the Holy Name Soviety.

Following the induction, the Society had its annual meeting at which the following officers were elected for 2023: President, Thomas Walsh; Vice President, Justin Sauer; Secretary, Andrew Ziebro; and Treasurer, Edward Campbell. 

Active members of the St. Thomas More chapter are remembered in a monthly Mass offered by one of the priory priests for all active members. In addition last year, the chapter voted to provide Gregorian Masses (30 consecutive days) for the repose of the soul of any men who were active members of the St. Thomas More chapter at the time of death. 

If interested in joining the Holy Name Society you can speak to one of the officers or attend the monthly meetings that are held on the priory porch after the 9:30 a.m. Mass on the second Sunday of every month.

Holy Name Society Director >