NEWS: November is the month of Souls, and there is one particular soul I wish you all to remember, and that is our good friend and mentor Mr. Fred Mckenna who passed away on the 19th of last month. I think it is important in times like these to recognize those who have made a difference and left their mark for good on our world. These we refer to as the “Greatest Generation ”; The ones who sacrificed everything to fight against Tyranny, Fascism, and Communism. They liberated much of the known world and made life better for us all. Fred was a true patriot through and through, representing the values we hold dear; God, Family, Country. Fred served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, taking part in the invasion of Sicily and serving in the Pacific theater. He was decorated for his service and even walked through the scorched aftermath of Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped. Fred turned 97 this past March, and we honor him for all that he has done for the Crusaders of Fatima and the shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima. After the recent renovations to the shrine 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. The pandemic has made it difficult, but we feel it is still important to recognize those who have made the shrine the place that it is today as an example of living out Our Lady’s request made known at Fatima. We pray for Fred and all those who are no longer with us physically but will always be remembered at the Shrine. In 2021 I was honored to visit Fred at his home to 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 my friend and brother. 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” At the Shrine throughout the month of November we will be remembering Fred and all those who have passed since last November, so if you have anyone you would like to remember please feel free to send in the name and we will offer prayers for them during all the activities at the shrine this month. I know Fred wore the brown scapular faithfully; There is a promise found in a Bull of Pope John XXII that the Blessed Virgin appeared to him and, speaking of those who wear the Brown Scapular, said, “I, the Mother of Grace, shall descend on the Saturday after their death and whomsoever I shall find in purgatory I shall free so that I may lead them to the holy mountain of life everlasting.” This is called the Sabbatine privilege and I am confident that we will have one more intercessor in Heaven this month.
FIRST SATURDAY: On Saturday November 5th, join us as we celebrate the First Saturday Mass and devotion; the celebrant will be the Rev. Francisco Carlos , Confessions, Rosary procession, fellowship and coffee and will be provided.
MMP PRAYER CENACLE: The next Marian Movement of Priest prayer Cenacles will be held on November 17th at the shrine at 9:00 am. Rev. Andre Feian FI will lead us. Please join us as we pray for priests, peace and the family.
SANTO ROSARIO: Santuario Nuestra Señora de Fátima. The Spanish Community of St. Columbkille’s most Holy Rosary group meets at the shrine at 3pm every First Saturday of the month for song, prayer and fellowship all are welcomed.
SUNDAY ROSARY FOR PEACE: There are many who meet at the shrine every Sunday at 2 pm to pray The Rosary for peace, all are welcomed. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is said at 3pm.
PRO-LIFE MASS: On November 19th we will have a Pro-life Mass at 10:30 am at the Fatima Shrine the priest TBD.
REMINDER: A Pro-Life Rosary for our nation continues at the Shrine daily around noon all are welcomed; With a special attention given to the devotion of the Holy Face of Christ, and the Flame of Love. If you would like to lead this rosary we are looking for someone for this devotion on Fridays at noon.
CANDLELIGHT PROCESSION: I wish to thank everyone who made the Candlelight procession a great success again this year.
If you look closely at the newspaper clipping you see two of the Crusaders of Fatima almost up front marching in protest of abortion on a beautiful day in October. The two celebrities are none other than Mike Ferrigno and Dennis Marsicano, this was following a pro-life Mass held at the shrine on the 15th of October. I have to say, it is Dennis who looks like the celebrity, and Mike running alongside him to get his autograph. Great job guys!
The Crusaders of Fatima Inc. is a 5013c tax deductible organization. I know some of you like to donate to their favorite charity at the end of each year. I asked that you keep the Crusaders of Fatima on your list.
Thank you, for all your support.
