The following is Fr. Dennis’ Sunday homily for the Memorial of Sts. Anne & Joachim, given at the closing novena Mass at St. Anne Shrine in Fiskdale, MA, this past Sunday. The Assumptionists have ministered at the shrine and parish since 1955.

In my encounters with students over the years at Assumption University in Worcester, I’ve had occasion to observe the relationships they had with their grandparents. It’s a time in their life, as they look for more independence, when the relationship with their parents can be complicated, a pitched battle sometimes. It was different with grandparents: it was less complicated, more peaceful. You sensed that there was real appreciation and gratitude. Sometimes they would lose a grandparent during their four years, and as it was often their first loss of this kind, they felt it acutely. I think it also served to ground them in the importance of their family.

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The article was first reported by The Catholic Free Press.

By Tanya Connor

STURBRIDGE – The Augustinians of the Assumption observed their 175^th anniversary differently than planned – and the St. Anne Novena was altered – because of coronavirus restrictions.

“I call it a blessing in disguise,” said Assumptionist Father Alex Castro, pastor of St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish and director of St. Anne Shrine there.

Because of crowd limitations, ethnic communities that usually help lead the annual novena at the shrine were not invited, he said.

An average of 75 people attended weeknight Masses and there were more than 100 the first and last nights, which were on the weekends, Father Castro said.

The Assumptionists’ June plenary general council, a highlight of the jubilee year to be held at Assumption University in Worcester, was cancelled, Father Castro said. Because of the virus, the university was closed and the superior general and his council in Rome, and provincial superiors from around the world, could not come.

Dear Assumption Family,

As you may know, the annual Novena to St. Anne will conclude this Sunday, July 26^th. I invite you to join us at the closing celebration as we ask for St. Anne's intercession, commemorate the 175^th Anniversary of our Foundation, and reflect on our vocation to life in the Assumption.

Closing Celebration Details:
5:30pm Confessions
6:30pm Rosary
7:00pm Closing Mass led by Provincial Superior Fr. Dennis Gallagher
Address: St. Anne Shrine Pavilion, 16 Church St., Fiskdale, MA 01518

I hope to see you there!
Fr. Alex

A while back, one of the priests here during the penitential rite at the beginning of Mass would ask forgiveness for our “limitations.” I don’t wish to personalize my reaction to this - this priest was not a native English speaker - but the substitution of limitations for sin is worth thinking about.

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Dear Friends,

This is the Pastoral Letter of the Bishops of the Philippines published this evening.

It will be read tomorrow in all the churches of the Philippines in the different languages of the country. In churches, where only 10% of the faithful are allowed after a four-month closure.

This letter, written and signed by our friend, Bishop Ambo David of Kalookan and Vice-President of the Conference of Bishops of the Philippines, describes well the current social and political climate of the country as we feel it. Thank you for your solidarity and prayers.

Very cordially. Bernard.

 A PASTORAL LETTER AND A CALL TO PRAYER - PDF file

You are all invited!

We are inviting all of you to our 133rd Novena to St. Anne. This year’s novena will be an opportunity for us to reflect on the 175th year of foundation of the Augustinians of the Assumption. Every night, an Assumptionist will lead us into a reflection on our Assumptionist identity, vocation, and mission at the service of God’s Kingdom. Attached is the poster and the prayer leaflet for the Novena.

 133rd Annual Novena to Saint Anne - PDF file

 133rd Annual Novena to Saint Anne - PDF file

We ask for your prayers as Fr. Ronald Sibugan travels to El Paso, TX. Fr. Ron will be forming part of our new Assumptionist community, as we continue to discern our mission and explore how we can serve the material and spiritual needs along the U.S.- Mexico border.

"A vocation is a response to a call. It is neither the choice of a career nor some kind of professional training. It is the gift of our person so that the Lord may make of us what he desires. At the heart of this response which we give to the Lord, there is availability" - Fr. Benoît Grière, Superior General

1—3 JULY  2020
Matthew-Mary Okereke, AA

Having the chance to hike during this difficult Covid-19 era was an opportunity I still feel indebted to God for. The enormity of this opportunity can be seen in the fact that for my safety, the safety of my other brothers in the community, and the safety of the society at large, I, like every other member of our Emmanuel House community, have been on lockdown for more than three months. Getting out to see the mountains and the beauty of nature, while following stipulated health precautions and CDC guidelines, was definitely a break that rejuvenated me.

My dear friends,

Greetings during this most trying time when our country has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and so many lives have been turned upside down. Know that all of you remain in the daily prayers of us Assumptionists both here in the United States and in the Congo and especially among the students at the Beni School Complex.

I would be remiss if I did not share with you in this number of the newsletter a word about one of our most remarkable Assumptionists who died this past May at the age of 104, Fr. Oliver Blanchette. After a long and distinguished career as a teacher, pastor, and retreat-master, Fr. Oliver accepted to go to Africa at the age of 83 (!) to help our young men studying for the priesthood there. Let me share with you part of an article that appeared in the local Catholic newspaper.