Pentecost IX
THE SUMMER NOVENA
TO OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
WITH THE THIRTEEN TUESDAYS OF ST. ANTHONY
JUNE 14 – SEPTEMBER 6, 2016
Download Prayers
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Daily Sermons
June 29 – Bp. Dolan – Anniverary Ramblings
July 1 – Bp. Dolan – Sacred Heart and Precious Blood
July 4 – Bp. Dolan – Gratitude for Our Country
July 8 – Bp. Dolan – Peace in Blood
July 15 – Fr. Lehtoranta – St. Henry, The Model Ruler
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✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
Today we conclude our Triduum to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and remember the importance of wearing “The Scapular,” regardless of our order or state of life. It is, as Pope Pius XII notes, the sign of our consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart.
A young lady from a very Catholic family, to whom I had administered the Sacraments over the years, died recently in a very tragic accident. Afterwards her mother found her scapular folded up, in one of her purses. She did not wear it because of the way she dressed, I was told. Exactly. This is the first, bottom line protection Our Lady’s livery affords us. So many graces, the Scapular Promise, the Sabbatine Privilege; these all follow later. They follow up and build upon the Scapular’s basic premise and protection. The Scapular. Don’t leave home without it. And if you “can’t wear it” because of the way you’re dressed, maybe you should wear more. It’s a wedding garment which gets us into the feast.
Our welcome clerical visitors continued last week with Bishop Sanborn, who stopped by especially to see Fr. Cekada. Father was still weak from the chemo but getting stronger each day. Fr. Cekada and Bishop Sanborn were able to consult together on the latest educational video Fr. Cekada has started writing, even while still recovering in his chair. His sede is not vacante in any sense of the term!
I left for Mexico on Thursday morning, hoping to make a quick visit on Friday both to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City) and El Niño Doctor, the Holy Child Jesus, Doctor of the Sick in Puebla State. Yesterday I was scheduled to offer Mass and confirm at the church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Dos Rios, Vera Cruz State, for their patronal feast. I should be returning very late Monday night. Fr. Romero, Fr. Mardones, and Fr. Martin Gomez, pastor of the church, were due to meet me in Mexico City. This is my first visit to the south of Mexico in several years. As usual, I am very grateful for your prayers.
Thank you for your prayers for Fr. Cekada. The golden chest at the feet of St. Anthony is full of petitions. I know of two thanksgivings already, given to Our Lady and St. Anthony. Let us know when your prayers are heard, so we can publish your thanks. Tomorrow is Fr. Cekada’s birthday, but his celebration will be a modest one, as he is scheduled to start his final treatment of chemotherapy.
We were happy to hear of the safe delivery of Lisa McConnell’s twins. Fr. Lehtoranta was scheduled to perform the Baptism this morning. Fr. McGuire is going to St. Clare this afternoon, where he will be baptizing his nephew. Baptisms are a great way to grow, but entire families are welcome, too. Recently a family from Columbus joined our church, after much study and prayer. Another family from Indiana is due to meet with me next week. And of course, there is our internet family, always growing and most appreciative. Jesus, Mary and Joseph protect our families!
Thank you for your participation in a real “peace march” last Wednesday, our Rosary Procession. We had a total of forty-two. Imagine how different the world would be if both police and motorists said even one Hail Mary, if protestors filled the streets with the prayer of the Rosary. It’s a comfort when we hear all of the lies, propaganda and confusion of the media to know we have the solution, the analysis, the answer, not the world or its Prince. But do we use this knowledge, or leave it at best till late at night, or wrapped up in a purse, on a shelf? What peace could be theirs, could be ours!
May the Scapular worn and the Rosary prayed each day be your peace and protection.
– Bishop Dolan