100 years: This Saturday, May 13, is the 100th anniversary of the apparition of our Blessed Mother to the three children of Fatima in 1917. Pope Francis is going to Fatima to celebrate. We will have the Our Lady of Fatima statue from our region in our Church that day. At 3 pm there will be a musical celebration of Fatima. I hope you can attend. It promises to be very beautiful, led by our wonderful choir.
A little background of the apparition of Fatima: three young children, Lucia (10), Francisco (9), and Jacinta (7) took their flocks to pasture. They saw a bright flash of light from the clear blue sky. They looked up and saw a “lady, clothed in white, brighter than the sun.” This lady said, “Do not be afraid, I will not harm you. I come from heaven.” She ended her visit by saying, “pray the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of war.” Mary continued to appear to the children throughout the months and encouraged them to pray the rosary in reparation of sins and the conversion of Russia. One of the most chilling moments came when Our Lady showed them a vision of hell, which, the children said, “horrified us and made us tremble with fear.” Our Lady told the children: “You have seen hell, where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart.” Hence, the prayer that is added at the end of each decade of the rosary: “O my Jesus, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.”
Please keep in mind that this apparition happened during World War I (1914 – 1918). Our Lady told the children, that “the war is going to end; but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the pontificate of Pius XI.” Sure enough, World War II began during his time. Mary is our Mother. She offers some advice to us: pray the rosary every day for peace, do penance, and trust ourselves to her Immaculate Heart. Good advice in our world that is on the brink of war every day. May is Mary’s month. The rosary brings peace not only in the world but in our hearts.
Diaconate Ordination: We are very excited that Larry Blondin is getting ordained to the permanent diaconate on Saturday, May 13. He will be a great deacon. In many ways, through his service to our parish he has already taken on the role of a ‘deacon.’ Congratulations to Larry and his wife, Linda!!! We are very blessed to have them here. Larry will be preaching at the 5 pm, 8 am, and 10 am Masses on May 21 and at noon and 6 pm Masses on May 28.
Grandparents Day: We welcome our wonderful grandparents at our school on Friday, May 12. We really appreciate their love and support—and their example of faith and perseverance.
School Auction: Looking forward to our school auction on Saturday, May 20. There are lots of silent auction items up for bidding, as well as some attractive live auction events. The proceeds are going to help support the new band program at our school. I am really excited about this endeavor.
Welcome back: We are glad to have Fr. Gary back after his pilgrimage to France. Please mark your calendars: his good-bye gathering will be Sunday, June 25, from 1 –5:30 pm. It’s going to be really hard to see him go.
First Communion: This weekend is First Communion weekend, as is next weekend. Jesus desires to be in union with his children.
Rome: The University of Michigan football team going to Rome made a lot of headlines. So did Coach Harbaugh having his baby baptized, as well as his daughter receiving First Holy Communion at St. Anne’s church in Rome. I saw some pictures online, and lo and behold, there was our new associate, Fr. Dan Westermann in the photos (and he’s not even a Michigan fan).
Retreat: On Monday, May 8, I am starting my yearly (and mandatory) five-day retreat. I will be at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. I come back Friday evening, May 12. Please keep me in prayer.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint Quote of the Week:
“Jesus wishes to establish throughout the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart.” – Our Lady of Fatima