October 2, 2024
Dear Friends,
Today, First Wednesday, is the Feast of the Guardian Angels. How much we need them!
This week we celebrate Saint Francis of Assisi on Friday, October 4. It is for Franciscans a Solemnity—as it will be celebrated at St. Joseph Chapel (400 South Blvd., Pontiac, MI 48341). After Mass, we will have a blessing with his relic and a reception open to all. The Franciscan Crown (Rosary) will be prayed before Mass at 11:30 am. We will also honor the Sacred Heart on this First Friday.
On October 4 a Pet Blessing will take place outside in the parking lot at 7:00 pm in front of the Shrine-Grotto. St. Francis had a great love for animals and they for him. It will be a fun evening meeting everyone’s little furry friends.
First Saturday this week (October 5) is also the Feast of St. Faustina whose relic with be with us for veneration.
Our new Mass schedule began yesterday with an 8:30 am Mass for Tuesdays, Thursday, and Friday (except First Fridays.) We will be CLOSED on Mondays. Noon Mass remains on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
However, we will be OPEN on Monday, October 7 to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary with the normal schedule for a Noon Mass (open at 10:30 am, 11:00 am Confessions, Rosary after Mass). October is the Month of the Rosary, and in 1571 Catholics prayed the Rosary for the Battle of Lepanto to save Europe from a Muslim invasion and it was to OUR LADY OF THE LEPANTO that they prayed. I personally brought her statue, a Black Madonna, from her Shrine and we will display her asking her intercession for our country in this time of elections.
I am asking for intercessors to cover in prayer the 83 counties of Michigan: for positive election results. Please contact me (contact information at very bottom) if you will pray for a county until election day.
I plan to open the chapel in the evenings to pray for our country’s elections—more information will be forthcoming.
COMING EVENTS include …
- Saturday, October 12 I will begin a class on Catholic Social Teaching on Contemporary Issues based on Fr. Jeffrey Kirby, STD’s book, Sanctify Them in Truth: How the Church’s Social Doctrine Addresses the Issues of Our Time (TAN Books). We are out of books. The class will run for 7 Saturdays. Green FLIERS are available with class dates and topic titles.
- Also on October 12 will have our outdoor Rosary Rally.
To communicate with me, please email me directly at [email protected] or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. Our Lady of Loreto, pray for the United States of America!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries