Pentecost XIII
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
August 1 – Fr. Lehtoranta – St. Peter and the Prayers of the Church
August 5 – Bp. Dolan – Our Lady of the Snows
August 10 – Bp. Dolan – St. Lawrence
August 12 – Bp. Dolan – St. Clare
August 13 – Bp. Dolan – Vigil of the Assumption
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✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
Weeks of heavy heat and humidity were due to be relieved by some rain this weekend. This is a good thing, although yesterday’s and tomorrow’s processions may be affected. Well, we have both church and cloister for just such eventualities. If we have people, and flowers—including the rose crown of the rosary—we should be all set for August’s highlight, Our Lady’s Assumption, with all of its joy and glory.
But this earth is a vale of tears, even on a good day. Good thing Our Lady is always turning her eyes of mercy towards us as we necessarily mourn and weep.
Last Sunday we lost one of our stalwart old parishioners, John Wiesman. John was our woodworker, repairman, parish photographer, server and Rosary leader for years. These last years he edified us by just making it to Mass on Sunday, until the very end. When so many of our whole and hearty young people just can’t be bothered to come, John would arrive, tottering on his cane, his each faltering step a wonder to behold. How did he do it? He combined devotion with determination, and mixed it all with deep faith. There’s a lesson here. May it not be lost on young or old. John has earned his rest. Let us pray that a great reward be his.
Fr. Cekada now must practice yet more patience. His oncologist informed him that two more chemo sessions were required before surgery, after all. He is now again weak and nauseated, but slowly building up his strength. Among other occupations, he’s reading a very interesting account of the life and persecutions of the great Catholic educator, St. Joseph Calasanctius.
Bishop Sanborn visited England, Belgium and France last month, a whirlwind of Masses and talks. He gave several well-received conferences which inspired the faithful with hope. The work to rebuild the Church in the old country is slow going, but he is laying a good foundation, especially with his training of future priests. Thank you for your seminary support.
Our Benedictine Sisters will be conducting the Sunday Catechism classes this year. We are very grateful to Miss Patton who has worked so long and so hard for the education of our children—six days a week for years! God reward her generosity, and bless the sisters who are continuing this essential apostolate. It will soon be time to register your children.
John Wiesman’s funeral was a full and stately affair in which our young people, singing and serving, figured prominently. I was proud of them, and grateful for their help. The lady from Avance Funeral Home did an exceptionally good job, very respectful of our Catholic traditions. Although the family is not traditional Catholic, I was grateful that they provided John with a proper funeral, a thing rare enough today. Do your best, now in advance, to procure this blessing for yourself and your family.
God bless you for a wonderful Marian weekend of Our Lady’s Assumption. St. Peter Damian says Our Lady takes thousands of souls from Purgatory with her to Heaven on the Assumption. Ask her to include your dear ones, and don’t forget to pray for our sick, our young families, our vocations, and all the Church on tomorrow’s great feast.
– Bishop Dolan