Dear Friend, 

To those who were present as well as those who viewed the live-streamed Pontifical High Mass, on February 1 - most felt that they were raptured in the sacred, heavenly glories of the Catholic Church. 

Highlights:

~ Cardinal Burke processed to the altar wearing a “cappa magna”, that is a long red pontifical garment, which symbolically represents the power and prestige of the world. After his entrance wearing it, he was publicly stripped of this finery, while the clerics vested him with humble holy mass attire, totally clothed in Christ, ready to begin the eucharistic celebration in persona Christi. (Please see the photos.)

~ The sacred investiture of postulant, Sister Sarah Reischl and the Final Perpetual Professions of Sister Joanna Marie of the Child Jesus and Sister Maria Josepha of the Ascension of Jesus. All three are from the Filiae Laboris Mariae, a Community of Semi-Contemplative Nuns to assist Christ in his priests by their prayers and apostolate. 

These ceremonies are usually witnessed by invitation only. Most are held inside of monasteries. 

Sister Sarah was dressed as a bride, in a white long dress and bridal veil. Sister later received her holy habit and was given the name of Sister Maria Benedicta. (Please see the photos.)

Sister Joanna Marie of the Child Jesus and Sister Maria Josepha of the Ascension of Jesus professed their Final Perpetual Professions. During the ceremony, they vowed forever to poverty, chastity, obedience and total consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They gave their hearts totally and forever to Christ, their Bridegroom. 

During the chanting of the Litany of the Saints, both Sisters laid on the floor and were covered separately with a long black funeral pall.  The pall signifies their death to the world, for the sake of the salvation of the world. This was followed by professing their perpetual vows in the hands of Mother Maria Regina of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. After the profession, each received a ring, the symbol of their total espousal to Christ. Then, a crown of thorns was placed on their heads, above their veils, a symbol of their union with Christ and His sufferings on the Cross, for the salvation of the world. 

~ A Votive Mass of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was offered. In the homily, His Eminence thanked God for the manifold graces that have been obtained through the intercession of the Virgin of the Mother of God and the Miraculous Medal.  

View the entire Pontifical High Mass here: https://www.guadalupeshrine.org/live-stream

On this First Friday, may the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Fount of all Holiness, have mercy on us and the whole world!

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

Thomas McKenna

Founder and President

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

P.S. Be sure to submit your intentions for Three Holy Masses invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, from February 9-11, which includes the Feast Day.

Photo Gallery:

Follow us on:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram