On Sunday Nov. 1, the Universal Church celebrated All Saints Day, which can be traced back to the fourth century. Imagine the countless numbers of saints who are unknown to us by name. St. John the Evangelist says it best after his vision of heaven, “I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb’”(Rev. 7:9-10). How about St. Mary Lou Kubat, who as an infant died immediately after her baptism?
Then on Nov. 2, we celebrated All Souls Day, in which we pray in a special way for all of the souls in Purgatory. It is a day in which we priests have permission to offer three Masses - one of which is for the faithfully departed.
As a preparation for these holy days, Sister Bernadette Radek, Sister Karen Eden and Sister Carol Hohmeier put on a special dinner at St. Gianna’s, our home for women escaping abortion and domestic violence staffed by the Marian Sisters. Included was special baked chicken cooked to perfection by Nancy Mongeon, one of our volunteers. I have a hunch the recipe is called ‘scarecrow chicken.’ I don’t know why, but while closing my eyes I could envision myself eating at a picnic table in the country while gazing at a scarecrow in a cornfield.
It was a wonderful evening in which the ladies and their children at St. Gianna’s could sit, relax and visit with their neighbors after having said a prayer. I always love to see the children playing together because many of them, due to their wounded state, are so very guarded when they first arrive. It takes time for them to ‘settle in.’
During community dinners like this one, I am afforded the opportunity to catch up with some of the ladies. They commonly tear up as they express their appreciation for having a safe place to live with their children.
As we get closer to our annual celebration of Thanksgiving, I am most thankful to Almighty God for His graces and to our many supporters and volunteers that help make St. Gianna’s a home.
Please be assured of our prayers for you, your families and intentions.
