In 1944, during a lunch meeting, Ms. Virginia McCormick and fourteen civilian female employees organized a Communion Breakfast of the First Friday Club for the Catholic Women in the Police Department.
The first official breakfast was held at the Holly Hotel. The Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Church both located near Washington Square. With the help and sponsorship of the Anchor Club, the Breakfast was it success. Speaker and Department Chaplain Monsignor Joseph McCaffrey expressed his happiness in the creation of a women's organization within the Police Department. Msgr. McCaffrey also suggested that the First Friday Devotions, usually honoring the Sacred Heart, adopt and honor the Blessed Mother.
Ms. McCormick proposed the Name "Regina Coeli Society" (Queen of Heaven) which was enthusiastically approved by the members. Shortly thereafter, the policewomen requested to join the Society. The uniform members were welcomed and today, make up more than half of the membership.
Since its inception, the Society has functioned successfully, donating the proceeds of the Breakfast to many charities and causes. In 1950, the Regina Coeli Society was officially recognized by the Police Department and is a member of the Committee of Police Societies.
It has continued to offer an Annual Communion Mass/Breakfast in June at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Astoria World Manor Catering Hall, and an Annual Day of Recollection at Bishop Molloy Retreat House in November open to members, their families and friends
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Many of us within our society and those who do not belong, do not know the full extent of the name of our society.
We are constantly asked, “Who is Regina Coeli? Was she a Police Office killed in the Line of Duty?” or “Why a name like that?” or “I know it has something to do with the Blessed Mother but …”
The origin of the name Regina Coeli Society and the selection of the date of the First Friday in June are very special. First Fridays and the month of June are in honor of the Sacred Heart.
Then one questions, why is the title “Regina Coeli?” Prior to Vatican II, many of our prayers, Mass and hymns were in Latin. So, Regina Coeli is the Latin for “Queen of Heaven”. We honor Mary as Queen of Heaven and why not? Her son, who is the King of Heaven and Earth received His title by nature and conquest. The title of Queen was given Mary by grace, by being the Mother of the King. In honoring one, we honor the other. God gave Mary the power over his son, which gave her the right to this title.
So, Virginia McCormick, our founder, saw many years ago the opportunity for herself and us to reach out. This was the purpose of her organizing our society, The Regina Coeli Society, and observing it on the First Friday in June.
Now when you are asked, “who is Regina Coeli and why a Friday instead of a Sunday,” remember that it has a two-fold purpose – To Honor Jesus – through his Mother Mary
Copyright: Committee Of Police Societies, Police Department City of New York
One Police Plaza, Room 206, New York, New York, 10038