Top row – L TO R: Ven. Fulton Sheen, Bl. Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, SC, Bl. Solanus Casey, OFM Cap, Ven. Nelson Baker, Bl. Michael McGivney.

Bottom row – L TO R: Ven. Bp. Alphonse Gallegos, Bl. Stanley Rother, Bl. James Miller, Ven. Augustus Tolton.

Dear Friend, 

On Thanksgiving, we tend to thank God for the food we will enjoy, as well as the family, friends and blessings our Creator has bestowed upon us. But have you ever thanked God for the American-born Catholics, who have been recognized by the Vatican for leading heroic, virtuous and holy lives? Two have shed blood for the faith. 

Some of the well-known holy men and women that were alive after President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day in 1863 were: Blessed Michael McGivney, Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Blessed Solanus Casey, OFM Cap, Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, SC, Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr, Blessed Brother James Miller, FSC, Martyr, Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Venerable Monsignor Nelson Baker, Founder of Our Lady of Victory Basilica, Venerable Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, O.A.R., “Bishop of the Barrios” and Venerable Father Augustus Tolton, the first African-American diocesan priest. 

Can you guess what their first destination was on Thanksgiving Day? They undoubtedly either offered or assisted at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, thanking God for their many blessings.

Why not follow their example? Especially today, where as Americans, we might be wondering where are the great role models today; actually, we have been very fortunate in America in that they always seem to arrive at the right time. 

Holidays, originally holy days, are meant for worshipful celebration. So many people nowadays choose to ignore the religious meanings behind holidays like this one, and end up celebrating only one part—the feast. Instead, we should worship and celebrate.

Many of you know that the Greek word for thanksgiving is eucharist.    

Thanksgiving is a reminder of God’s bountiful gifts to us, especially that of the Holy Eucharist, so we need to give thanks to Our Lord and Our Lady for their graces!

Part of the name of our organization is Catholic Action. Let us step forward and take action. Plan to attend Holy Mass on Thanksgiving. If that is not possible, visit Jesus in an adoration chapel or in a church where He is dwelling in tabernacles around the world. We all remember just a few years ago, Catholic churches were closed!  We could only view the Holy Mass online. Let us find the time to receive our spiritual food at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, then enjoy our festive meal. Jesus is always waiting to fill our souls with abundant graces every time we receive the Sacred Host. And don’t forget to ask our American-born saints, blesseds and venerable servants of God for their intercession. 

For those who are traveling, go to www.masstimes.org for Holy Masses.

For a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel, go to:

 http://www.therealpresence.org/states/perp.htm

Thank you for being part of our “family”- the Catholic Action for Faith and Family. Wishing you and all your loved ones a most blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving. 

Yours in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

Thomas McKenna

Founder and President

Catholic Action For Faith And Family
https://www.catholicaction.org/

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P.S. On Nov. 30, we will begin the pious St. Andrew Christmas Miracle Novena. Take this opportunity to submit your intentions for the three Holy Masses that are coming up.