As war churns on in the Middle East, it is important to rachet up our intercession in general and our devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary which will renew the world (Fatima message). Jesus has entrusted world peace to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This makes it timely that the three “Firsts” all fall this week
First Wednesday falls this Wednesday, March 4. Jesus wants us to cultivate devotion to St. Joseph who cared for Him, the Son of God, for over 20 years of His earthly life. St. Joseph will care for us too if we ask him. Please know we have a Sleeping St. Joseph Statue in our foyer (entrance) under which prayer intentions can be placed.
First Friday is this Friday, March 6. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the supreme symbol of God’s incarnate love for us human beings. Rejection of Jesus and His law and His love are why we have wars in the world today.
First Saturday is this Saturday, March 7. The universal maternal mediation of Mary’s compassion can, by God’s grace, obtain the conversion of sinners, change lukewarm Christians to saints, save souls, and quell wars. “Nothing is impossible for God!” Prayer intentions can be placed in the basket near Our Lady of the Cape which is for spiritually entrusted them to her Immaculate Heart (the golden heart on her). We trust in Jesus first, but trust in our Spiritual Mother’s intercession for you and for the world too. “God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart” Our Lady told Lucia dos Santos on July 17, 1917 (the third Fatima apparition).
The relic of St. Francis will be available to pray with for the entirety of the 2026 Jubilee Year of St. Francis. Free prayers of the saint are available near the relic. Various St. Francis religious items are available, including the saint embracing our Crucified Jesus on the Cross.
We now have a historical video about our shrine. I hope you will find it inspiring. It can be viewed in the Blue Room in the Shrine-Grotto on the monitor there. Please ask a volunteer for assistance. It lasts just over 7 minutes.
To communicate with me, please email me directly at abunaalex@yahoo.com or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries