Bishop’s Note
I hope you had a grace filled octave of the Assumption. There are such beautiful feast days during this time, each of them with some special aspect of devotion to Our Lady. This note is being written on the feast of St. Jane Frances de Chantal who, upon the death of her mother, placed herself under the protection of the Mother of God. I can think of no better place to be than under the protection of Our Lady’s mantle. Give yourself, your worries, your plans to Our Lady. No, seriously, stop reading and do so right now!
…Now that you have returned to reading, I have news of our foreign missions. Fr. Nicolás Benegas, the first ever priest whom I ordained, is going to be moving to Mexico from Argentina to help at the late Fr. Beceras’ church in Guadalajara. He will be there for about six months, at least starting out. Please pray for Father. His first anniversary of priestly ordination is coming up in September.
Our friends from Nigeria, Bishop Nkamuke and his priests, recently held a Rosary Procession at Fr. Ojeka’s mission. I got to see a video of Fr. Ojeka making palm oil for the soup to feed all of the visiting clergy and people. Here is what Bishop Nkamuke said in a little note. I am sure he will not mind if I share it with you. Here it is:
“The Procession was a success, for which we are very grateful to God. I had much cause for anxiety especially with regard to the trip. We were hoping for up to 30 persons, instead 72 persons came by, and we were happily surprised by it. It was a great time indeed. I drove with Augustine Mary’s family and some other persons to Owerri on the 14th, Solemn High Mass on the 15th. Three of us clergy said Low Masses simultaneously, before departing. We had a Pontifical Mass on Saturday the 17th in the open field of the school we camped out in. Procession followed the Mass. We had a Solemn High Mass on Sunday the 18th to conclude the event. Fr. Ojeka’s parents were very happy to witness everything. Mrs. Lydia Ojeka (Fr. Ojeka’s mom) said she was thankful to God to have seen this and that she wouldn’t mind if she died now.”
That is all the news for now. So much to be thankful for! Even in the midst of sorrow we mustn’t ever forget this.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart,
Bishop McGuire