As we write to you all of the members of the Province of Saint Ann are gearing up for our Provincial Chapter to be held in October in Lutz, Florida. This gathering is a moment of grace for all of us. See the opening article which explains briefly what a Provincial Chapter is.
Our foreign missionaries from various parts of the Congregation have been busy all summer visiting parishes and preaching the Word of God. As part of the Missionary Cooperative Program, they have been seeking financial support for their home countries and worthy projects. We introduce you to them and thank them for their zeal and dedication!
Death is a reality, and sadly we communicate the passing of two of our religious, Dennis Ruane SSS and Michael Noreika SSS. Both were fine and dedicated priests for many years. In this issue we share with you excerpts from the homilies that were delivered at their funerals. Both will be missed very much.
We also celebrate the 60thanniversary of priestly ordination of Father Robert Pittman SSS. Although slowed down a bit because of age and infirmity, Father Robert is well loved and celebrated. Father Ernest, our ecumenist, continues to keep the theme of Christian Unity before us. His article in this issue highlights the dialogue between Anglicans and the Roman Catholic Church.
Life in the Eucharist is alive and well at Saint Vincent de Paul parish in Holiday, Florida. Take time to read this inspiring article. As we do every year, we celebrated the Feast of Saint Ann, the patroness of our Province. Scott Gongos, our Director of Mission Advancement, shares with us the events that took place in Cleveland and asks for your continued support.
We are overjoyed to announce the publication of a new book on the history of the Congregation after the death of Saint Eymard by Father Norman B. Pelletier SSS. This book will be an important resource for the entire Eymardian Family. Thank you for your dedication and perseverance in this project, Father Norman!
Ten years has passed since the death of our dear Father Eugene LaVerdière SSS. We include a tribute that was paid to him by one of his professional colleagues, Father Donald Senior CP. Finally, we share with you the words of Father Darren Maslen SSS, recently ordained for the Province of Saints Peter and Paul in Great Britain and Ireland. Darren studied here in the USA and lived in our Chicago area community for several years. We pray for Darren as he begins to minister as a priest.
We hope that you find the time to read this entire issue and learn more about the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and its ministry and mission – in this way, you can walk with us in the footsteps of our holy Founder, Saint Peter Julian Eymard.
Whatever gift you are able to make, know it is most appreciated! Please include any special prayer intentions you would like us to remember. These intentions are prayed for by all the priests and brothers each day. It’s our simple way of saying “THANKS” to you who have been so good to us!
We pray that you may have blessed and faith-filled celebrations of Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas!
