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The Strenna of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, to the Salesian Family for this year is
With Jesus, let us pursue the adventure of the Spirit together!
The Rector Major stresses that our mission is an adventure of the Spirit which we must pursue together.
This journey together is much more than a past oral strategy! It is a journey that we make in and with him because he has fascinated us, and we do it united; it is only with, in and through him that we are able to undertake a journey that really is meaningful and decisive for our lives. This journey is a journey into the inner life, a journey of spirituality, and a life open to the Holy Spirit.
The Rector Major suggests six road signs for our journey: to look within to discover and make richer our own inner life; to seek God and to interpret our own life as a blessing from him; to meet Jesus; to be one of his own ; to personalize fundamental values; and to develop a plan of life.
He concludes his commentary with three simple suggestions:
i) to remember that the fundamental reason for our vocation as disciples of Christ is to accompany the young and walk at their side as real companions and apostles of the young;
ii) to guide and accompany the young towards holiness , through our personal witness and in imitation of Don Bosco;
iii) to remember that processes are slow and need to be gradual as the very patience and pedagogy of God show us. Dear friends, may the inexhaustible and parental patience of God, the trusting and total faith of Mary, and the openness to the Spirit of Don Bosco guide and inspire us as we, with Jesus, pursue the adventure of the Spirit together!
God bless you,
In Mary Help of Christians,
I remain,
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
Director
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Walking with the Church
Q. What do Catholics mean by Purgatory?
A. The whole idea of Purgatory
is that even though we can be forgiven of our sins through the death of Jesus Christ, we still committed them and infinite justice demands some sort of atonement on our part. It is our final purification. We sinners are not quite ready to be ushered into God's presence without first being purified. The Councils of the Catholic Church in all their official teachings have not given us any description of Purgatory. The
Catechism of the Catholic Church has three paragraphs (CCC 1030-1032). In essence, there are only three points on the matter which the Catholic Church insists: (1) that there is a purification after death, (2) that this purification involves some kind of pain or discomfort, and (3) that God assists those in this purification in response to the actions of the living.
In the medieval ages they conjured up all sorts of punishment by fire, pain and torture but there is no foundation either in scripture or in our tradition for these imaginings. |
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 Expect an Answer
As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the way of life of the townspeople.
As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain.
Many people arrived. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in. As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends. When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and starting the meeting.
His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement. Next to her, poised and ready for use, was a bright red umbrella. The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrella.
All came to pray for rain, but the little girl had come expecting God to answer.
- Author unknown and greatly appreciated
Reflection Questions- When have you asked for something but at the time you did not truly believe it was possible for you?
- Looking back now, could it have been possible?
- When have you asked for something and believed with all of your being it would become true?
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 Laughter the best medicince
Wake Up Call
An elderly gentleman checked into a New York hotel. The clerk mentioned the phone service the establishment made available for calling guests who wished to rise at an early hour.
"No need for that, young man," snapped the old timer. "I always wake up at five A.M. sharp without an alarm clock."
"Very good, sir," the clerk replied, then asked, "Would you mind calling me at six?"
Cell Phone Find
An employee of the airport found a cell phone in one of the boarding areas. She switched it on, hoping a caller would identify the owner. It rang, and she answered it, but there was no response. When it rang a second time, another female employee answered, and the same thing happened.
Moments later, a supervisor came by and picked up the ringing phone. "This is Bob. May I help
you?"
"Bob," the bewildered woman caller finally spoke. "Where is Bill, and who are those two women he's with?"
Pupil's Question
A young pupil asked, "Master, what is fate?"
"Ah, my son, it is what has brought great nations together. It has made the world a smaller place in which to live. It has inspired men of worth to work endless hours. It will some day enable men to span the universe and light years of travel will soon become mere seconds in time."
"And that, my master, is fate?"
"Oh, fate! I thought you said freight."
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 The Devotion of the Three Hail Marys
The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.
Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.
I am grateful to Our Lady for the many favors received, especially for the marriage of my son. L. Vargas and Family, NJ
In the month of June my son was traveling by motorbike at dawn. Due to bad light he went over a speed hump and fell off the bike suffering severe head and face injuries. Thanks to Mother Mary, some passing vehicles stopped to help till the paramedics arrived. He was hospitalized for some days without having to undergo any surgery. I am most grateful to Our Lady and to all our heavenly protectors for saving him. John Stanos, FL
We are grateful to Mary Help of Christians for her constant protection and intercession especially in helping our mum to gradually recover from her recent serious illness.
Mr. & Mrs. T. Morales, NJ
Thanks to the Virgin Mary for the fulfillment of a special intention. Ms. Susan, NY
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In Closing
Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,
If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at MaryShrine@aol.com.
Bookstore hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm
Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.
Weekday Masses: 12 noon.
Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm
Other activities: Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Friday night Lenten Pasta Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue.
Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.
MEMORIES
Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.
MASS INTENTIONS
To offer a mass intention, please write to
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
174 Filors Lane,
Stony Point, NY 10980
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Marian Shrine
174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980 (845) 947-2200
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