Note from the Bishop
Already, we have begun the month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus—a wonderfully apostolic month here at St. Gertrude’s. Aside from our normal schedule of Masses and novenas, the “YAGsters” come to town this Friday. The YAG has been quite successful the past few years and has occasioned many friendships between fellow-Catholics, and has brought together more than a few happy couples who have since received the holy Sacrament of Matrimony. I know there are many young adults who shy away from events such as this one, for one reason or another; but it really is the means to develop true and lasting friendships—which all of our young people long for, but which is seldom, if ever, found in the world. Come on in and relax and enjoy yourselves in good Catholic company.
Later this month, there are the camps for our even younger souls. It’s always neat to spend time with these souls who are so innocent. I’m sure there will be plenty to write about on this subject after the camps.
The vocations retreat which Fr. Lehtoranta ran last week was well done. Five young ladies attended the three-day event, some coming from out of state. Two of the five (Sister Cecilia and Sister Grace) have already “pushed out into the deep” and begun their life as Oblates of the Holy Face. The oblate remains in the lay state and takes no religious vows, as she is not a nun and is not meant to live in a cloister. The purpose of the oblate is to strive for a higher degree of spiritual perfection by dedicating her life to assisting the bishops and priests in their apostolate. They will do this by teaching, helping in the never-ending sacristy work, secretarial work, and offering prayers and sacrifices for the salvation of souls. Her cloister, as St. Vincent de Paul says, is in the streets and in the churches; it is an active life, but a prayerful life which, by the grace of God, will produce a rich harvest for their own souls just as much as for souls all over the world. You can learn more about our Oblates by reading Fr. Lehtoranta’s article: www.sodalityofcharity.net/oblates-of-the-holy-face.
Fr. Nkamuke gave an encouraging report on the African Missions. They are growing rather quickly now and are hearing from souls from other countries in Africa. Some are interested in becoming priests; others just need a Catholic priest to tend to their spiritual needs. Everything is so perfectly and so sweetly planned by the Good God. This extra growth did not come too early, but at just the right time, since we are sending Fr. Okerulu back to Nigeria this month. God never gives too much work to anyone, but when the work starts piling up the personnel also increases at just the right time. Fr. Ojeka will return to Nigeria a little later this summer, but first they need to finish preparing the lodging so that the priests can be in one location and no one has to be isolated. They will also need a car or two in order to travel to the various missions. Obviously, this requires quite a bit of money, and any help you can give in this regard is much appreciated.
I wish you a blessed month of the Precious Blood. I wish to close with the words of Pope Clement: Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how precious It is, seeing that It was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world.
– Bishop McGuire