Dear Parishioners:
Fr. Brodeur, Fr. Mahoney, & Simon Campion (OLM School Parent) enjoy the Saints & Scholars Open.
As I write this column on Monday in the final hours of summer, I look out at a beautiful morning. God has given us a great weather for our Annual Saints and Scholars Golf Open at Quidnessett Country Club. Over 120 golfers are set to play a great round of golf in support of our budding saints and scholars at OLM School.
I want to thank our Golf Tournament Chair, Mrs. Lee Mita, whose dedication and hard work have made the golf tournament such a success. We also extend our gratitude to the many volunteers and parish staff who work tirelessly in preparation for this day. We also want to thank the many golfers and supporters of the tournament. In particular, we are grateful to our major sponsors, Mr. Brian Murphy of Shoreham Bank, Mr. Jeff Nelson of Palmer Industries, Mr. Frank DiBiase of the Providence Oyster Bar, and Mr. Nicholas Durgarian of Douglas Construction. We thank them for their most generous support.
The autumn season began on Monday afternoon as the golfers were playing the tournament. Soon, all the leaves begin to change color, and the crisp fall air arrives. We hope the beautiful fall weather lasts, especially for the Oktoberfest. Let's hope the rain stays away! As the great American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."
It doesn't seem that life is starting over for the Patriots this season as they continue to fumble the ball. And so too the Red Sox, who continue to strike out when they need hits the most. Let's pray the crisp fall air sparks new life for both teams!
As October arrives, we look forward to a few important feasts. On October 1, we mark the Feast of the Little Flower, Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. She lived a cloistered life of obscurity in the convent of Lisieux, France. After nine years of religious life in the Carmelite Convent, St. Thérèse died of tuberculosis at the age of only 24, on September 30, 1897. Few saints of God are more popular than this young nun. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, is read and loved throughout the world. St. Thérèse said she came to the Carmel convent "to save souls and pray for priests." And shortly before she died, she wrote: "I want to spend my heaven doing good on earth."
Thursday, October 2, brings the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Their role is to represent us before God, to watch over us always, to aid our prayer, and to present our souls to God at death. We should offer this simple prayer to our guardian angel: "Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day, be at my side, to light and guard, rule and guide. Amen."
St. Francis Preaching To The Birds, 1297-99 by Giotto di Bondone
On Saturday, October 4, we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The great saint is one of the most well-known and beloved saints of all time. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Italy, Ecology, and Animals. On Friday, in anticipation of his feast at around 2:15 pm in the OLM School Parking Lot, Father Brodeur will bless animals, pets, and livestock in honor of St. Francis. So bring your pets, cattle, sheep, horses, and chickens to be blessed on Friday!
Next Sunday, October 5, Fr. Connors, the Rector of the Our Lady of Providence Seminary, will celebrate the 10:30 am Mass. He will be joined by the twenty-three seminarians studying for the priesthood at OLP, including OLM's own David Delbonis. I know you will give them a warm welcome. Please pray for these seminarians that they may persevere in their vocation, and also pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Providence.
Pilgrims enter the Jubilee Holy Door.
Please note that the 5:00 pm Sunday evening Mass will resume next week. This Mass of convenience continues every Sunday until April 26. The Mass coincides with our Faith Formation Program for Confirmation. Now, there are five Sunday Masses, so there are no excuses to miss!
This is a Jubilee Year for the Church and for me, as I celebrate 30 years of priestly ordination and 60 years of life. I leave on Sunday evening for a pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate these Jubilees. I shall remember your intentions at Masses and as I pass through the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica. Ciao! See you in October! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Go Sox!? Go Pats!!???