Blessings for this first weekend of summer. May you enjoy some time of relaxation and refreshment with your family and friends. May St. Christopher keep you safe in your travels. May the casual pace of this season afford you the opportunities to nurture your prayer and sacramental life warming your soul with the divine love of the Most Holy Trinity.
Our Tuesday summer evenings extended Benediction will commence on Tuesday 1 July and continue through Tuesday 26 August. The theme of these evenings is “Harbors of Hope – explorations with the Communion of Saints in this Jubilee of Hope.” The evenings begin at 6:30 with Evening Prayer, Scripture, reflection, and Benediction. The evenings conclude with a social gathering. The schedule is as follows.
1 July – St. Junipero Serra: Baptism & Commissioning
The Matter of Hope – St. Junipero Serra baptized over 3,000 souls in the California missions. His work fulfilled the promise of the Great Commission to “baptize all nations.”
8 July – Feast of Our Lady of Peace (9 July): Blessed Mother and the Virtue of Trust
The Birth of Hope – The Title of Our Lady of Peace was added to the Litany of Loretto by Pope Benedict XV (15th) near the conclusion of the First World War.
15 July – St. Bonaventure: Poverty and Humility in the Spiritual Life
The Wealth of Hope – St. Bonaventure, as a young boy, was healed through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure, as a Franciscan following the lead of St. Francis, stressed the importance of Poverty, as the impetus for the Franciscans.
22 July – St. Mary Magdalene: Resurrection
The Seed of Hope – The first Resurrection appearance was to St. Mary Magdalene. The seed of hope of everlasting life was instilled within St. Mary who, as the Apostle to the Apostles, continues to plant the seeds of hope.
29 July – Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: Bethany Beckons
The Place of Hope – Several biblical events occurred at Bethany. They include: the hospitality of St. Martha, the anointing by St. Mary, and the raising of St. Lazarus. Bethany also serves as the site of The Ascension of the Lord.
5 August – The Transfiguration of The Lord (6 August): Awaiting Glory
The Promise of Hope – Jesus took only three of the Twelve Apostles to Mount Tabor to be a witness to his future glory. Peter would become the rock upon which the Church was established. James, offering the promise of anointing through his epistle, would be the first of the Twelve to be martyred. John would provide a gospel of the signs and the glory of the Lord.
12 August – St. Jane Frances de Chantal: Discernment / Discovery
The Peace of Hope – St. Jane Frances was a follower of St. Francis de Sales. After the death of her husband, St. Jane would meet with St. Francis for spiritual direction. These sessions led to her vocation into religious life.
19 August – St. John Eudes: Women of the New Testament
The Edge of Hope – St. John Eudes, as a contemporary of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, promoted the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He stressed the dignity of the human person in his ministry to the morally endangered women of society.
26 August – Vigil of Saints Ambrose, Monica, Augustine: The Power of Prayer
The Strength of Hope – This spiritual trio, led by St. Monica prayed for the conversion of St. Augustine. It was through the strength of her prayers, the guidance of St. Ambrose, and the enlightened heart of St. Augustine, that he was received into the Catholic Church.