On June 15th we held our 2nd annual Father’s Day barbeque under beautiful blue skies. The men enjoyed the barbeque, especially since they didn’t have to cook it J, and stayed out in our Fatima patio for most of the afternoon surrounded by the beautifully blooming gardens. We thank God for their presence among us, and wish them many more happy Father’s Days!
The Semantics – a group that has sponsors many great dinners and parties for our Residents – held their spring dinner on June 19th. We were invited to dinner at the Antun’s Restaurant, close to our home, and enjoyed a delicious dinner with wonderful dinner music. Thank you for such an enjoyable outing!
Even though we couldn’t be at the Belmont Race Track for the actual race, our Residents enjoyed Breakfast at Belmont on June 21, where they toured the facility and grounds. Joining Residents from our home in Totowa, New Jersey, our Residents were delighted to see Tonalist, this year’s Belmont winner! The staff at the track recognized one of our Residents, Mr. Philip Horn, Jr., who used to train thoroughbreds at Belmont. It was a wonderful reunion.
Members of Sts Joachim and Anne Parish made St. Ann’s Novitiate one of their stops in their parish Corpus Christi procession. An altar was erected on the steps of the novitiate front door with lights and flowers marking the path. Residents waited under the shade of the trees for the procession to arrive. Finally, we could hear their singing, and saw the Blessed Sacrament turn into the novitiate gate. The parish of Sts Joachim and Anne is very multicultural, and so we were not surprised to hear them singing in French: Parle, commande, reigne, nous sommes tous a Toi, a hymn to Christ the King. First communicants were throwing rose pedals along the way. It reminded the Residents of the time when they were young and participated in Corpus Christi processions. After Benediction, the procession departed, on the way back to the parish Church. Some novices and Little Sisters joined them, eager to show their appreciation for the mystery of Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist. We were filled with grace and wonder at God’s great gift to us – the Blessed Sacrament where Christ is truly present – body, blood, soul, and divinity, given for the life of the world.
On June 26, the first of three family picnics was held. The 3rd floor Residents and their families were invited to a barbeque at the Fatima patio. The weather couldn’t have been better. Spirits were high as the families gathered with their loved ones. Having smaller picnics allowed us to give each Resident more attention. Games for children were organized. Everyone seemed to have a good time.
A special occasion occurred on July 1st. Fr. Evans Julce (see his biography in The Tablet) celebrated his first Mass at our home. He was ordained on Saturday, June 28th. After a very festive celebration at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Jamaica, New York, he was happy to celebrate with the Residents, novices and Little Sisters at Queen of Peace. His family was able to attend, which made the celebration even more special. Fr. Evans attributes his vocation and his perseverance in the seminary to the prayers of the novices and the Residents. He encouraged us to continue to pray for him, for all seminarians and for those discerning a call to the service of the Lord.
Fortnight for Freedom
As requested by the US Bishop’s Conference, we were happy to intensify our prayers for religious liberty during this year’s Fortnight for Freedom. Its theme “Freedom to serve” was especially relevant for us. Each day, as possible, we had Mass celebrated for this intention and a holy hour in the afternoon which was very well attended. Even persons from the neighborhood came and prayed with us. May God listen to our prayers and inspire our political leaders to safeguard this first of our freedoms, as desired by our founding fathers.
June Happenings