Dear Friends of Saint Ann and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament,
Pope Francis: “The Rosary is spiritual medicine.”
The month of October has been devoted to praying the Rosary and since the victory of Lepanto on October 7, 1571 when the Catholic Church and Christianity in Europe and Middle East had been threatened by war and persecution. Pope Pius V and the Catholic sailors of Spain and Italy prayed the Rosary. Today the whole world is threatened by the pandemic that began with Covid 19 and continues with D Covid 21, especially for those who have not been vaccinated until this time. Other threats to people of faith exist. Europe, the West other countries are threatened by secularism, materialism, and indifference to church, religion, morality and social rights and development.
What is the Good News? The Gospel, the victory of Jesus Christ over death and sin, are the good news. The Eucharist is the center and summit of the Christian faith, we are reminded by the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (1962-1965). St. Peter Julian Eymard, the Apostle of the Eucharist (1811-1868), founded the Eymard Family of priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, and associate members. Their mission began in 1856 continues on five continents in a world-wide Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and their provinces.
The October Rosary Appeal is a reminder of both the need for praying the Rosary, honoring Saint Ann, and supporting the mission of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament and its affiliates and the mission of the Eymard Family in Cleveland (Highland Heights). Our Shrine in Cleveland shares the identical relic of Saint Ann as our Shrine at Saint Jean Baptiste in New York City.
While some parts of the world are facing a diminution of numbers, other areas (e.g., Africa, Asia and South America) are growing in vocations, ministry and energy. Some members of these provinces are serving in the United States, Australia and Canada and other countries.
The shrine of Saint Anne at St. Paschal Baylon Parish in Cleveland is well known as an oasis of prayer, peace, joy and sharing. The beautiful church and quiet chapel welcomes people from near and far for the celebration of the Eucharist and the contemplation of the mysteries of the Rosary and the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist so lovingly adored before the Blessed Sacrament and prayer of the Divine Hours. Other devotions are celebrated liturgically and privately each day by the priests, brothers, sisters and associates as well as parishioners. Your prayers, thoughts and petitions join those who pray here and ask Saint Ann to hear us. Your contributions make our mission possible and has done so for over 100 years, for which we thank you gratefully.
Please enjoy the enclosed booklet as you pray the Rosary!
Yours in Jesus, Mary and Saint Ann,
Father Roger Bourgeois, SSS
*With your donation of $150 or more, we would like to send you a statue of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and Saint Ann, while supplies last.
*The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament offers a daily reflection. If you’d like to receive this uplifting message, simply send an email to cee@blessedsacrament.com.
*Your loved ones can be remembered during Mass at Saint Ann’s Shrine. Call 440-449-2700 for details.
*We have Blessed Oil and Holy Water available to which you are welcome to make a donation. Contact Saint Ann Shrine at 440-449-2700 or visit our website at st-ann-shrine.org.
*Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook & visit our website that includes numerous videos. You can securely and safely support Saint Ann’s Shrine and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament through our website!
*Our Blessed Sacrament religious in Bethany and at Regina Health Center in Richfield pray for you daily. Please let us know of any special intentions you’d like us to remember. The Blessed Sacrament Community supports you in prayer and Eucharist. You can submit your prayer though our website and request a candle to be lit for your special intentions at st-ann-shrine.org.
*You may consider donating gifts of stock. Depending on the stock’s current value, you may avoid capital gains tax by donating the stock directly to Saint Ann’s Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Consult your financial advisor for the most advantageous opportunities for you.
*You can support the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament through distributions from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Contact your Financial Advisor for the most advantageous and beneficial plan for you!
*You may choose to make a secure, recurring monthly gift to Saint Ann’s Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Please check the box on the reply slip and we can automatically process your credit card gift each month!
*We ask you to please consider becoming a member of our Legacy Society by naming Saint Ann’s Shrine or the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament in your will. For more information, please contact Scott Gongos, Director of Mission Advancement, at 440-449-2700 or sgongos@blessedsacrament.com.
*Emmanuel magazine is a publication of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The mission of Emmanuel is to “see all of reality in the light of the Eucharist.” Those interested in a Eucharistic perspective on Spirituality, Culture, Scripture, Ministry, Liturgy, and Prayer will find Emmanuel to be an excellent resource. Subscribe today! Contact us at (440) 449-2103 or emmanuel@blessedsacrament.com. Visit our website: emmanuelpublishing.org.