Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
July is here, this month is known for summer picnics and parties, for family vacations and lazy days. Just as June was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, July is the month of the Most Precious Blood. (Click here for more). We also celebrate Grandparents and the Elderly on July 24. Look for a special plenary indulgence explained below. NFP Awareness Week is July 24th - July 30th.
As Americans we celebrate the birth of our nation, we commemorate our founding fathers and our Declaration of Independence. Take a moment to read part of a letter from John Adams, one of our great founding fathers and 2nd president of the United States. His words are to his wife on July 3, 1776 from Philadelphia. John Adams said he believed the occasion would be "celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival." He described how he believed Americans should mark the day:
It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.
You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even though We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.
Take time this month to make "solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty" and as it is the month of the Most Precious Blood "Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how truly precious It is, seeing that it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world." - Pope St. Clement I
Have a happy, healthy and safe July! Please let us know how we can better serve you and your parish as we carry out our mission of evangelization to help parishes bring people to an encounter with Christ and a deeper appreciation of the Catholic faith, igniting a joyful witness of their faith to others. (contact us at Family@diocesepb.org)
May God's Mercy and Peace be with you,
Cathy, Deacon Louie, Beth, Liliana, Andy, Erika, Cindy and Rosario
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Together let us build, unite and grow our Church.
