Dear Crusaders of Fatima,
The month of January ushers in a New Year with the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God. What better way to start off the New Year than by attending Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother. We would like to ask everyone to remember in their prayers on the 22nd, the day of prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children and the March for Life in Washington D.C. World Youth Day begins on this day as well running thru the 29th in Panama City, Panama. We will certainly keep the world Catholic youth in our prayers as we remember them as they gather that week. On the 18th we pray for Christian unity which ends on the 25th, the conversion of St. Paul. It seems that there is more and more to pray for these days as the world appears to be spiraling out of control. This could be a good time to pause and take stock in Our Lady’s words at Fatima when she said to Lucia; “My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” This is a comforting thought which gives me hope in the coming Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary that we patiently wait for.
There is much going on around the shrine these days with all the construction, we anticipate some disruption this spring as the work will begin on the grounds around the shrine area. I would like to make you aware when you come to the First Saturday this month you may see some digging going on in front of the shrine, the plan calls for a water retention tank to be placed underground to capture the rainwater runoff from the property. The tank will be going in the ground in front of the shrine which will re-route the walkway that leads to the shrine. We would ask you to be careful approaching and follow the signs and the pathways. You will see a lot of progress being made with the project when you come. The first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed this summer which includes the Monastery, the Church and building #1. This will also include all the grounds around the shrine, walkways, lighting, signage, and planting. We may be inconvenienced during this spring and may have to hold some of our events off-site temporary for a month or two. We will keep you up to date as we learn more, in the meantime, the shrine is opened and running on a normal schedule, and we do expect electricity will be fully restored by the First Saturday.
The Crusaders have finalized and entered into a new agreement with the Owners of the property that will allow us to continue promoting devotion to Our Lady of Fatima here in Brighton at the shrine for time and memorial.
The board of the Crusaders of Fatima would like to extend a very Happy New Year to all you and your families, be assured that your intentions will be remembered at the shrine at all our devotional services. The prayers intentions that come in through the website as well will be placed on the altar for the First Saturday of the Month. Thank all you for your support and prayers as we head into the New Year may God bless you always.
Check us out on our website at http/www.fatimashrineboston.org. We ask your prayers for all past members and benefactors of the Crusaders of Fatima. May they rest in Peace!
The Rev. Jonathan Gasper will be presiding at our First Saturday devotion in January.
JANUARY NEWSLETTER
