February Newsletter

SHRINE NEWS: 
With the cold weather and lent fast approaching we find ourselves in the midst of winter still finding much to be grateful for. The signs of the times are an indication on how much has changed in recent years. It can sometimes appear that the world we were familiar with is evaporating in front of our eyes as a new generation comes of age. The question looms, can history be erased along with much we hold dear. That is why it is important in times like these to recognize our past by focusing on those who have made a difference by leaving their mark on our world.  These are Americans citizens we remember and refer to as the “Greatest Generation”; Those who sacrificed everything to fight against Tyranny, Fascism, and Communism by liberating much of the known world. One such person/patriot is our very own , Mr. Fred Mckenna, who served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, taking part in the invasion of Sicily and serving in the Pacific theater. He was highly decorated and even walked through the scorched aftermath of Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped.  Fred will turn 96 this March, and we honor him for all that he has done for the Crusaders of Fatima and the shrine dedicated to Our Lady.  After moving back into the shrine after the construction we alway planned on having a celebration where we could publicly and properly display our admiration for those whose dedication and devotion we have all benefited from. Since the pandemic has made it almost impossible and with all the uncertainty it has provided, I thought it important not to wait to recognize those individuals who have made the shrine the place that it is today by carrying out Our Lady’s message.  You all know who you are, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and that includes those who are no longer with us but will always be remembered at the shrine.  I was privileged to be able to visit Fred who is in good health and at home, and present him with a small token of our appreciation for his faith and friendship through all these years and for his service to his fellow man both in war and in peace.  I am proud to be able to call Fred a friend and brother.  We wish him all the best, and look forward to the day we could all gather again at the shrine and honor all those values we hold dear. The plaque that Fred holds in the picture above states: “The Crusaders of Fatima, With Honor and distinction, Recognize, Alfred McKenna, For a life of Devotion, Long Service and dedication to Our Lady of Fatima, Through tireless effort in multiple capacity, For the shrine, and promotion of the Faith, For the Greater Glory of God, November 7, 2020”

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, for all your intentions, and for Peace at 2:00 PM.  Please feel free to join us.

FIRST SATURDAY:
On February 6th, we will celebrate First Saturday Mass and devotion at the Shrine.  We asked that you use your own judgement and stay home if you are sick or feel compromised because of a pre-existing condition in any way.  We asked that you wear face masks and keep a healthy social distance from each other while at the shrine.  We will have hand sanitizer on hand.  Mass will begin at 9am;  Rev. Andrian Milik, will celebrate the mass.

REMINDER:   A Pro-Life Rosary for our nation continues being offered at the Shrine daily around noon all are welcomed.