The Bishop’s Note
Last Monday evening, as I was driving past the convento a little skunk was merrily scampering across the lawn. We see skunks all the time around here so I did not think much of it. Now, Black Cat has been recuperating from his procedure and still hobbling along on three legs, so he has been spending the days in my office and then the nights at the rectory since he is not allowed outside. As I was carrying him back to the rectory after dinner and was crossing the little bridge behind the church, that skunk scurried out from under the bridge and ran into the woods. I never saw him until he was in front of me. Black Cat and I narrowly escaped a good spraying that night, I think!
Fr. Mardones, who lost a leg recently due to diabetes, told me just the other day that he will start saying Mass on a small altar on November 1st. He is asking for prayers. Fr. Benegas has been busy building his chapel in Argentina and says that most of it is complete, except for the pews and a few other items. It is a charming little chapel! Fr. Contreras went to visit and they performed a blessing ceremony. Pictures below.
A number of our school children have been promoted to new serving roles for the school High Mass. Adam Young and Liam Lotarski served as Acolytes on Wednesday and Isaac Wright on Thursday, and Gavin Wright was made torchbearer. They did a fine job, and it was nice to hear from Fr. Lehtoranta that even their classmates commented on how well they did. I am often impressed at the charity of our students. It is both an edification and an inspiration. Simon and Austin handle well their role of training new servers and of making corrections when necessary. They have come a long way since they first learned to serve!
Bishop Nkamuke has returned to Nigeria and had a good time during his stay at St. Gertrude’s. He has his own Forty Hours Devotion in Owerri from November 14-16, when we will be celebrating our patroness’ feast. Wasn’t our own Forty Hours such a time of grace!? The choir, schola, organist, as well as the servers and clergy all did a fantastic job! A big thank you to all who helped in any way with this Devotion.
All Souls Day is tomorrow and there are plenty of Masses to choose from. Come to one, or come to several, but do come. These souls suffer so patiently and are waiting for a kind soul to do them the service of relieving them of their pains and sending them to heaven. They will never forget their benefactors and will more than repay them for their charity by praying for them before the very throne of God in heaven.
– Bishop McGuire
P.S. It is interesting what some of the priests will find during their research and study. For example, why there is no fast on the Vigil of All Saints. Recently, a priest sent Fr. McKenna something on the Fatima Prayer (O My Jesus) for the Rosary. The question was presented to the Sacred Penitentiary whether the “O My Jesus” prayer was allowed to be said between the decades, and if so, would it in any way cancel the indulgences of the Rosary. The answer given was that it is allowed to be said, and also that it does not cancel the Rosary indulgences. This question was dealt with on February 4, 1956, under Pope Pius XII. Interesting!