Six Performances To Benefit Breast-Cancer Research

(Reprinted from Amboy Beacon, Feb. 2, 2011)

SOUTH AMBOY — Modern-day Knights do exist, as we all know. In Britain, all

manner of celebrated individuals, from scientists to politicians and

rock-stars, are routinely dubbed Knights by Her Majesty the Queen.

What may not be as-readily-known is that throughout the world, including

here in America, Knights and Dames not only exist, but they also engage in

works of charity for a variety of noble causes.

One such individual is Christopher Deibert, MOC, also known as “Don” Chr

istopher Deibert, most-notably the Director of Music Ministry at St. Mary’s

Church, Augusta Street, where he serves as organist, conducts four liturgical

choirs, a handbell choir, and the St Mary Choral Society, and Executive

Director of the renowned “Music At St. Mary’s” concert series since 2001.

On Sept. 25, 2010, Deibert was installed as a Knight in the Military Order

of the Collar of St. Agatha of Paterno. This organization, based in Italy,

has as its main U.S. focus the raising of both awareness of and funds for

breast-cancer research.

Historically, St. Agatha was persecuted and martyred for her Christian

faith and for not succumbing to the sexual advances of the Roman prefect

Quintianus. After she repeatedly refused him, she was tortured, and her breasts

were removed. The story is that St. Peter appeared to St. Agatha and cured her,

allowing for the regrowth of her breasts. She is the Patron Saint of many,

but most-notably those suffering from breast cancer.

The Military Order of the Collar of St. Agatha of Paterno (MOC) is the

premier Royal Order of the Royal House of Aragon, and serves as its

international arm of philanthropy. In the U.S., its chief endeavor is to raise funds for

breast-cancer research.

Deibert joined the ranks of the North American Chapter of this organization

(officially known as the Commandery of St. Peter Nolasco), whose members

come from as far north as Canada and as far south as Florida to participate in

charitable works.

When Deibert was installed as a Knight of Merit in the Order, he made a

quick decision that he must pro-actively promote the cause of breast-cancer

awareness, and the best way he could do that was through music. As an

accomplished organist and harpsichordist, he has performed concerts throughout New

England and the Greater New York City region, primarily at churches and

universities. So he developed a plan to perform six organ concerts in February at

six different New Jersey churches, the last in his home parish of St. Mary’s

on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m. When asked his motivation for doing six

fairly-complex concerts, Deibert replied, “Our faith calls-upon us to give our

time, talent and treasure to corporal works of mercy. I have time and, I

believe, some talent. Using both of these, I hope to be able to generate

significant treasure via contributions, through the intercession of St. Agatha, to

continue the good works of the Order here in the U.S., and support further

breast-cancer research.

“The MOC is a fantastic charitable organization, and under its auspices, I

can do more to help raise awareness and funds for research.”

In an interesting confluence of events, the first of these concerts will

take-place on the Feast Day of St. Agatha, Saturday, Feb. 5, at St. Peter the

Apostle Church, New Brunswick. The balance of the concert dates are Sunday,

Feb. 13, at St. James the Apostle Church, Springfield; Saturday, Feb. 19,

at St.Thomas the Apostle Church, Route 18 South, Old Bridge; Sunday, Feb.

20, at Calvary Episcopal Church, Summit, and Saturday, Feb. 26, at Our Lady of

Fatima Church, Piscataway.

Deibert’s ambitious program includes organ works by Bach, Mendelssohn,

Couperin, Widor and others. Donations in any amount are gratefully-accepted, but

there is a suggested donation of $20. All proceeds are to benefit

breast-cancer research.

After the St. Mary’s concert, there will be a FREE reception and a chance

to meet the performing artist.

For more information on any one or all of these concerts, call (732)

261-8979 or 721-0179.