Dear Friends in Christ,
Let us thank God for the many reasons to celebrate in this new autumn season of 2018! As we continue to pray for our beloved Church, let us celebrate the Canonization of Ss. Pope Paul VI and Oscar Romero who were canonized in Rome on Sunday, October 14. Here is a link to Pope Francis’ homily from the Canonization Mass of these shining lights:
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-at-canonization-of-paul-vi-oscar-romero-5-other-blesseds/
Just recently in this month of October, we had wonderful news of new assignments for Religious communities here in the Diocese of Phoenix:
- The Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate from New York (Sr. Mary Eileen Jewell, PVMI and Sr. Margery Therese Harkin, PVMI) are now serving in adult faith formation, catechesis and evangelization at Our Lady of Joy Parish in Carefree, AZ.
- The School Sisters of Notre Dame (Sr. Patricia Gehling, SSND and Sr. Ann Marley, SSND) are serving in the Parish Office of Christ the King Parish in Mesa, AZ.
- The Eucharistic Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Los Angeles are establishing a new foundation and convent at Immaculate Conception Parish in Cottonwood, serving as bilingual Religious educators at Immaculate Conception Parish in Cottonwood, AZ and Saint John Vianney Parish in Sedona, AZ. They are a great blessing for us!
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Grand Opening and Dedication of St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Avondale
On August 21, we had the grand opening and dedication of St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Avondale. The first day was on August 13 with Freshman and Sophomore Classes. Sister Mary Jordan Hoover, OP is the principal accompanied by 3 of her Sisters, serving as the leadership of this wonderful school which is forming our children well.
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted addresses a large crowd which overflowed.
Front: Bishop Eduardo Nevares left of Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, OP. Behind: Superintendent of Schools, Harry Plummer with Deacon Doug Bogart. Third row: Dr. Maria Chavira, Chancellor of the Diocese, and Fr. Fred Adamson, V.G.
There were many people who came to be part of this grand opening and dedication.
Father Fernando Camou, the new high school chaplain.
Sister Mary Gertrude Blankenhagen, OP
Bishop Thomas Olmsted blesses the new school building with holy water.
Thank you, Bishop Olmsted and all who were involved in making this dream a reality!
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Have you ever been to the St. Joseph Shrine in Yarnell, AZ? Why not go sometime? The Stations of the Cross are the highlight.
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The weekend of September 7-9, we celebrated the 85th Anniversary of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Arizona, beginning in Tucson and thriving in Phoenix, AZ. On Friday evening, I joined the celebration at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Scottsdale, AZ. Sister Mary Elizabeth Lawrence, SC was playing the steel drums. Hearing her play reminded me of the music of the Caribbean Islands.
Representation of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill from Greensburg, PA.
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Recently, I made a trip to Our Lady of the Rosary Dominican Convent in San Jose, CA. They have beautiful stained glass windows in their chapel of Dominican Saints as well as a small shrine to Mary, Mother of God, Mater Dei. The roses there are breathtaking!
Ss. Agnes of Montepulciano and Margaret of Hungary, pray for us.
With prayers, I am
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM
Director of the Office of Consecrated Life
Waking Up the World 