NEWS:
The reason I think it important to conduct The First Saturday Devotions is reflected in what we are witnessing in the world today with the attacks on churches and images of Christ and his Mother. You may be aware that we have recently erected a statue to our Lady of Fatima on the shrine grounds, it was one that we had in storage. We will be installing one of St. Joseph and St. Gabriel C.P. in the cemetery area as well. I can’t help feeling sorrow over those statues being desecrated that we have been seeing on the news. You know that when asked Why the Five First Saturdays; “Our Blessed Lord answered that question when He appeared to Sr. Lucia May 29, 1930. He explained that it was because of five kinds of offenses and blasphemies against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, namely: blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception, against her perpetual virginity, against the divine and spiritual maternity of Mary, blasphemies involving the rejection and dishonoring of her images, and the neglect of implanting in the hearts of children a knowledge and love of this Immaculate Mother.” The Mother of God told Sr. Lucia: “Look, my daughter, at my Heart encircled by these thorns with which men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You, at least, strive to console me, and so I announce: I promise to assist at the hour of death with the grace necessary for salvation all those who, with the intention of making reparation to me, will, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, say five decades of the beads, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary.”[3] Saturdays are dedicated to our Lady because, “Such sorrow is particularly bitterly endured on Holy Saturday after Jesus was placed in the Sepulcher (before the Resurrection on Easter). Devotees of Fatima believe that the First Saturdays help to console the sorrows of God, Jesus, and the Virgin Mary for the sins against Her Immaculate Heart.” Say often when offering up anything; “it is for the Love of Jesus Christ, The conversion of poor sinners and for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” (From the memoirs of Sr. Lucia.)
SUNDAY ROSARY:
The Sunday Rosary for peace continues with a small number who have been meeting at the shrine to pray for all those affected by this virus and for all your intentions at 2Pm. Please feel free to join us.
FIRST SATURDAY:
We will be celebrating the First Saturday at the Shrine on August 1st. We asked that you use your own judgement and stay home if you are sick or may feel compromised because of a pre-existing condition in any way. We asked that you wear masks and keep a healthy social distance from each other. We will have hand sanitizer on hand. Mass will begin at 9am, Rev. Paul Pinto C.S.C, PhD will celebrate the mass.
CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION: We will have the August 13th Candle light procession at the shrine. I hope you can join us. The service begins at 8pm and there is plenty of space outside to enjoy the service. Rev. Richard Mwisheni SMA will preside over the service.
REMINDER: I wish to thank all of those who have donated a chair in a loved one’s memory. We still have a few left… If you would like to send in a donation please use the mailing address below every little bit helps. A Pro-Life Rosary is being said at the Shrine daily around noon if you would like to join in either in person or from home. Thank You!
