Dear Parishioners:
It’s hard to believe its already Memorial Day Weekend but alas it has arrived. We remember all those who have died in service to our nation this weekend. The late President Ronald W. Reagan reminded us of the importance of Memorial Day in a speech in 1983.
President Reaganstated: “Memorial Day was established to commemorate those who died in the defense of our national ideals. Our ideals of freedom, justice, and equal rights for all have been challenged many times since then, and thousands of Americans have given their lives in many parts of the world to secure those same ideals and insure for their children a lasting peace. Their sacrifice demands that we, the living, continue to promote the cause of peace and the ideals for which they so valiantly gave of themselves. “
Let us pray for the many who have fallen in defense of our nation and liberty. They gave the ultimate sacrifice and deserve not only our gratitude but our continued prayers and remembrance. We will offer Mass for the fallen on Memorial Day at 8:30am, please join us.
In special way, the Town of East Greenwich remembers Memorial Day with a Parade. Included is a stop at the World War Two Memorial to pray for the dead and a service of remembrance at Town Hall. It is a great American tradition that is alive and well right here in our own town, so join us in marking Memorial Day with prayer and pride.
Also on Memorial Day we celebrate our final May Devotions at 7:00pm. Deacon Brian Morris will lead our devotions in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. Deacon Morris worked that the Lourdes Shrine in France one summer and helped to escort the many sick and infirm pilgrims who go there for healing and consolation. Deacon Morris is the son of OLM Parishioners, John and Marybeth Morris. He graduated from OLM School and Bishop Hendricken High School and earned a degree at Wake Forest University. After a few years in the working world, he felt called to the priesthood and soon entered the seminary. He has just completed his seminary training and education at St. John’s Seminary in Boston.
Next Saturday at 10:00am, Deacon Morris is to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Providence along with two other young men from Rhode Island. It is a great day for Deacon Morris and his family but also a great day for the Church of Providence and especially for Our Lady of Mercy Parish. Everyone is invited to attend the Ordination Mass at the Cathedral next Saturday morning. If you’ve never been to an ordination before try to make it as it is truly a solemn and beautiful celebration.
Also this Friday night at 7:00pm there is a Holy Hour for Vocations at Holy Apostles Church in Cranston. Our OLM Adult Choir is singing at the Holy Hour. Please join us as we join the three men to be ordained in prayer for more priestly vocations.
Finally, next Sunday at 1:00pm the entire OLM Parish Family is invited to attend Father Brian Morris' First Mass of Thanksgiving. Please join us as we celebrate Pentecost Sunday in such a special way. A reception at Mercy Park follows Father Morris’ First Mass and he is to offer his first priestly blessings. Come and celebrate such a joyous occasion in the life of our parish.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations the soon to be Father Morris and his family. We thank them for the gift of his priestly vocation. We wish him all the best for his priestly ministry in our Diocese of Providence. The newly ordained are awaiting their first parish assignments by Bishop Tobin. However, I amconfident that no matter which parishhe is assigned to serve, Father Morriswill be a great blessing. He is a fine and zealous young priest!
I urge you to continue to pray for Deacon Morrisas he makes his final preparations for priesthood. Come to May Devotions on Monday night to hear him preach and lead us in devotions to Our Lady of Lourdes. Wish him well when you see him.
The Church celebrates Her birthday on Pentecost Sunday next weekend. It is fifty days since Easter and we mark the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Be well. Do good. God Bless. Happy Memorial Day! Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!