February 26, 2025
Dear Friends,
Saturday, March 1, will be First Saturday. At St. Joseph Chapel (400 South Blvd. West, Pontiac, MI 48341) a free handout will be provided about the following: In 1947, Professor William Thomas Walsh authored one of the first books in English on the Fatima events simply titled Our Lady of Fatima (Doubleday, 1947). This book, more than any other factor, was instrumental in bringing the miracle of Fatima to the attention of millions of Americans. In the book, he recounts an interview he had with Sister Lucia a year before (1946). Walsh then asked, “Does this mean, in your opinion, that every country, without exception, will be overcome by Communism?” And Sister Lucia answered, “Yes,” which Walsh affirmed also meant the United States. So how did the world arrive at this point in 2025? The answer may sound simple, but for more than 100 years, a vast majority of Catholics have not heeded Our Lady of Fatima’s request for reparation for sin and the daily Rosary. SO LET’S HEED OUR LADY’S REQUEST!
Ash Wednesday will be on March 5. Distribution of ashes will take place during Mass. (We do not give ashes to take home.) Since it is First Wednesday, devotions to St. Joseph will follow the Mass.
In the pews will be the Jubilee Prayer for this Jubilee Year of Hope. This prayer must be recited to obtain a Plenary Indulgence at one of the 12 official archdiocesan Jubilee Year pilgrimage locations (of which we are one). We should be zealous to obtain a plenary indulgence, especially for the Poor Souls. Consider visiting the 12 pilgrimage locations during 2025. Other ways to obtain a Plenary Indulgence are ½-hour of adoration, ½-hour of Bible reading, and praying the Rosary publicly.
Free booklets for the Jubilee Year of Hope from the Archdiocese are still available. Please take only one per family or couple.
Fr. Ripperger’s book, Deliverance Prayers: For Use by the Laity, are now available again.
Please mark your calendars for the Solemnity of St. Joseph on Wednesday, March 19. We will celebrate Holy Mass (with the Rosary before Mass), have a reception, a talk by a guest speaker (“St. Joseph in the Year of Hope”) and free St. Joseph prayer booklets available. Since this Saturday begins the month of St. Joseph, why not consider taking up a daily prayer to pray to St. Joseph for your intentions?
To communicate with me, please email me directly at [email protected] or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. St. Joseph, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries