Greetings of peace.

I hope that you are enjoying a prayerful Lent. This coming week is bookended by two unique commemorations. On Monday, March 25, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. I’ve always found this day to be fascinating. Well outside of the Christmas season, the Church focuses hard on the event of the Incarnation. The date of this Solemnity is purposely placed nine months prior to Christmas. The readings and the artwork of the Annunciation are both beautiful and, well, perfect. Although theAnnunciation is not a holy day of obligation, I invite you to spend some time on Monday pondering the miracle of the Christ-child’s entrance into the world.

On Friday, March 29, The United States marks a day of remembrance for all Vietnam War Veterans. Many of us in the U.S. needed many years to go by before we fully appreciated the extent of the sacrifice of those who served in the war in Vietnam. We have many people within the Shrine worship community who faithfully served in the military during this painful time for our country. Within the friar community, we especially appreciate Br. John Maganzini, OFM, who served faithfully in Vietnam and is especially known for his kindness and generosity.

Fr. Thomas Conway, OFM
Executive Director