Solemnity of the Most Precious Blood
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
June 24 – Fr. Lehtoranta – Grils’ Camp III: St. Elisabeth
June 29 – Bp. Dolan – Anniverary Ramblings
July 1 – Bp. Dolan – Sacred Heart and Precious Blood
July 4 – Bp. Dolan – Gratitude for Our Country
July 8 – Bp. Dolan – Peace in Blood
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✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
Our nation, its hands drenched in blood, selectively mourns some bloodshed, other kinds being passed over in silence. If only America knew “the things that are to its peace,” that Precious Blood shed to restore peace between Heaven and Earth. This Precious Blood is the devout object of today’s Sunday Solemnity, of our July indulgenced devotions, and indeed is at the heart of our Holy Mass. Offer it, honor it, wash in it, receive it, with all possible devotion, and you will be a peacemaker for time and eternity, a true patriot and pious in the full meaning of this virtue. “Precious Blood of Jesus, save us!”
Last week began really with a wonderful weekend: First Friday and its All Night Adoration ushering us into the great Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, and concluding with Independence Day. The weather was nasty, and it was a Monday morning, so Mass attendance was sparse, but fervent. The 9 AM Low Mass was accompanied by beautifully sung music. We were honored with a visit from Fr. Saavedra, and later in the day Fr. Thielen joined us for a special meal, meant to celebrate his 25th anniversary. Fr. Saavedra brought and prepared savory Mexican dishes, whose preparation Fr. Cekada (feeling pretty recovered from his last treatment) followed with keen interest. Fr. McKenna manned the fine new outdoor grill, a Fathers’ Day gift from one of the faithful. Fr. McGuire assisted. The Sisters sent over some delicious brownies, a favorite of Fr. Thielen. We also had two really good pies from one of our top drawer dessert makers. It was a memorable meal, and a very happy occasion. Six priests together at the table. We also celebrated Fr. Saavedra’s new American citizenship, which makes his priestly travels in particular so much easier.
Within a week we had the news of two men who died suddenly, found dead in their beds. We offer our sympathy and prayers to family and friends. Fr. McMahon celebrated the Requiem High Mass for his brother Brian this past Tuesday. A full church heard his inspiring sermon on the importance of prayer, particularly the Morning Offering. Thanks to all who helped with this charitable funeral, a true work of mercy. Another funeral Mass was offered yesterday for William Tilford, whom our priests had been faithfully visiting each month, but was sent into eternity by his family with the cold comfort of the Novus Ordo. Rob Kuebler’s death marks the third we observed this fortnight. We offer our sympathy as well to his family. The very sad circumstances of Rob’s death do not make us forget a man who was once a fine Catholic father, and an active member of our church; but rather inspire us to redouble our charitable prayers.
St. Benedict’s feast day fell in Holy Week this year, and thus was only commemorated. Since Lenten feast days aren’t much, the Benedictines keep a Summer Solemnity of their holy Patriarch, with octave, on July 11. We wish the Sisters of Our Lady of Reparation a blessed feast day. Sr. Jeanne Marie, meanwhile, has had her first hydrotherapy for her legs, an important step in regaining her health. We promise our continued prayers. She’ll be stepping out in no time!
Joan Landry is home from the rehabilitation center, but is still wearing her boot. We hope to see her soon at church, and were happy to see Ina Harpen back at Mass after a long illness. No one can replace Ina for fidelity with the church sewing, but we would be so grateful for even a little help. Katie’s piles are piling up. It is directly for God, after all!
This week’s highlight is doubtless the Wednesday evening Fatima Rosary Procession for Peace. Don’t you think we could use a little? Peace, I mean. I head off to Mexico for the weekend on Thursday, and Fr. Lehtoranta returns that night, I think, from Finland. Fr. McKenna is “up north” again. It will soon be time for Boys’ Camp, July 26-28. Remember your traveling clergy.
The Pius X Society is being slowly rehabilitated and quietly recognized now by the godless religion of Bergoglio and his Novus Ordo, part of the One World Church. They say that frogs, slowly boiled, never recognize their demise. Jump out of the pot before it’s too late.
With a blessing for you and your home in the Most Precious Blood,
–Bishop Dolan