Tomorrow is First Friday when we honor and adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Nov. 6). It also doubles for Franciscans as the “Franciscan All Souls’ Day.” We pray the Rosary tomorrow at 11:30 am—before Mass—because Sacred Heart devotions follow after Mass. BLACK will be the liturgical color—a reminder of the finality of death, but that as St. Francis said bodily death can be “Sister Death” who is the gateway to the Eternal Father.
First Saturday is this Saturday (Nov. 7). Please remember that TWO MASSES are available on First Saturdays (and ONLY ON FIRST SATURDAYS)—at 9:00 am and at Noon. Doors open at 8:30 am with Confessions available (but no Exposition). The first Mass at 9:00 am Mass is simpler and shorter than the Noon Mass. The Rosary follows with the 15 minutes of reflection on the Mysteries of the Rosary that Our Lady of Fatima requested. Exposition will take place around 10:30 am or so. Two additional priests will come for Confessions during the 10:15 am-11:00 am period. After the Noon Mass we will have Exposition, the Rosary and Benediction. Light refreshments will be available after Benediction. Here is one of my favorite quotes:
“Modern times are dominated by Satan and will be more so in the future. The conflict with hell cannot be engaged by men, even the most clever. The Immaculata alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan.” (St. Maximilian Kolbe)
In this month of the Poor Souls, Catholics should learn how to utilize the GREAT GRACE of a Plenary Indulgence—especially for the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Those who’ve seen or encountered a Poor Soul realize how much they suffer. Fulfilling the normal conditions for a Plenary Indulgence (see the back of our 2026 St. Francis Jubilee flier), there are simple ways such as ½-hour of adoration, Bible reading or praying the Rosary publicly (with others in the church). Also, during this Jubilee Year of St. Francis (ends Jan. 10, 2027) coming to a Franciscan church and saying the necessary prayers. (We have a little slip of paper that explains the prayers needed.) Have mercy on the Poor Souls by your “spiritual almsgiving” (suffrages)—offering Masses, praying the Rosary or Chaplet of Divine Mercy and/or offering Plenary Indulgences. Once you learn, it is EASY and most merciful!
Two Evenings of Reparation remain in this calendar year. For this month, it is November 16—always on the Third Monday.
To communicate with me, please call/text me at (313) 727-9784 or email me abunacalcio1982@gmail.com. All the Saints, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries