The Month of the Holy Rosary began yesterday. At Fatima (and other approved apparitions), Our Lady asked of the 3 children (who were pre-teen) to PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY. Seriously consider doing this if do not. Consider also the ROSARY ELECTION PLEDGE for the Midterm Elections (SEE BELOW).
Today is not only First Friday but the liturgical Memorial of the Guardian Angels—our ever-present friends assigned to us from the moment of conception. Pray a lot to them today. The Guardian Angel of Portugal told the three children of Fatima in when he appeared in the Spring of 1916: “The Hearts of Jesus and Mary are attentive to the voice of your supplications.” Guardians Angels lead us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in loving Him and offering our reparation to Him for the world’s many sins.
Tomorrow, October 3, is First Saturday. We will have a 9:00 am Mass (on First Saturdays only) and our normal Noon Mass. Come offer your reparation with your Guardian Angel to the holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
At Franciscan churches, Sunday, October 4, is the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi. It is the 800th Anniversary of his death. At St. Joseph Chapel (400 South Blvd. W., Pontiac, MI 48341) we will celebrate this, offering you a free holy card for the occasion. EVERYTHING WILL BE OUTDOORS, behind the chapel.
- (11:30 am) Franciscan Crown Rosary: 7 Joys of Mary
- (12:00 pm) Solemn Mass:
- (After Mass) Lunch Reception:
- (7:00 pm) Pet Blessing (with free dog & cat snacks)
Is God calling you to follow Jesus in the spirit and spirituality of St. Francis? Such “lay Franciscans” are called Secular Franciscans who belong to the Secular Franciscan Order. They make a lifetime Profession (not vows) and follow a papally-approved canonical Rule—a way of living the Gospel life unto holiness. On Sunday, near the parking lot, a vocational information table will have Secular Franciscans and literature available to help answer your questions and enable you to better discern this calling. Franciscan books will also be for sale.
In this Jubilee Year of St. Francis, you can get a Plenary Indulgence when you visit a Franciscan church and fulfill to normal conditions for such an indulgence (Confession 8 days before or after Communion, Communion, prayers for the Pope, visiting a Franciscan church) but also a few more simply prayers that we will provide for you.
The ROSARY ELECTION PLEDGE: The November 3 elections are fast approaching. Prayer is needed to implore God for leaders who, while certainly not perfect, are the most acceptable to Him. GOD CAN DECIDE. Many of us pray a daily Rosary and some pray one or more throughout the week. I am asking those who pray a daily Rosary to pledge an EXTRA Rosary for elections all across America so God will choose the political candidate most pleasing to Him. (YOU CAN MAKE OTHER PERSONAL PRAYER COMMITMENTS ON YOUR OWN, OF COURSE.) If you do not pray a daily Rosary, please consider praying a daily Rosary (as Our Lady requested at all 6 apparitions at the 1917 apparitions at Fatima) and simply including the elections as one of your intentions. To MAKE YOUR PLEDGE, you need only provide your name—nothing else. Please contact Margaret Williams (cell/text: 315-420-0711 or email: margo0767@yahoo.com) and simply give your name. May we humbly be “One Nation Under God” and so be a blessing to humanity. Little fliers are available with this information at the shrine or could be emailed to you.
To communicate with me, please call/text me at (313) 727-9784 or email me abunacalcio1982@gmail.com. Holy Guardian Angels, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries