Pentecost XII
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
July 27 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Boys’ Camp II: Reuben
July 28 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Boys’ Camp III: Joseph
July 30 – Fr. McGuire – Mary’s Clients in Purgatory
August 1 – Fr. Lehtoranta – St. Peter and the Prayers of the Church
August 5 – Bp. Dolan – Our Lady of the Snows
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✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
The weather people promised us some relief from the unrelenting heat for a pleasant Sunday today…something about rain and an always welcome cold front. But it is to God we should look for all of our needs, even the least. First Friday’s feast, Our Lady of the Snows always evokes such a refreshing image in the midst of Summer heat. “Grateful coolness in the heat,” we sing of the Holy Ghost. May the heart of His Spouse, Our Lady, be your shade and shelter this month.
We are looking forward to August’s highpoint, the Marian observances next weekend. The public Rosary Procession for Peace points the way this Saturday morning, and the Monday Holy Day on the 15th makes us in spirit accompany Our Lady home to heaven.
In the meantime, earthly comings and going occupy us. I had a very good trip to Milwaukee last weekend, with four Confirmations and a very full church. Fr. McGuire is visiting tropical Florida for a little vacation, while Fr. Lehtoranta covers the northern missions this time. Milwaukee was delightfully cool last weekend. Fr. McKenna and I are holding down the fort here this week, and enjoying our visit with the seminarians who are getting to know our church as well as assisting us with different projects. Help is always appreciated!
Fr. Cekada is not going anywhere at the moment, except maybe to his next doctor’s appointment. He continues to be very tired, somewhat hoarse and fuzzy headed, but his appetite is returning, and they say his voice and his hair will as well. Your greetings, Masses, and many prayers have been remarkable and provide him with the strength he needs, I am sure. God reward you.
Tuesday marks the ninth week of our Summer Novena, but devout clients of St. Anthony long ago prolonged it to thirteen in honor of the June date when he went to Heaven.
The cats (how hopeful is this!) sense the coming of winter, and have started staying in some nights. Of course these little vampires sleep all day as well. You wonder when they get any work done. We have mice in the church office and the Helfta Kitchen, but the cats say not to go asking them. There was some thought about getting a female cat for an in-house mouser, but they say that’s not guaranteed, either. It’s probably just one of “life’s persistent questions.” We shall see.
I hope your summer travels are proving pleasant and safe, and lead you closer to God, regardless of where you go. Remember the great miracle worker, St. Philomena, who comes on Thursday. Say the Apostles Creed three times as a perfect prayer to her.
God bless you for a good week,
– Bishop Dolan