Auriesville Shrine

The Pilgrim is one of the longest, continuously running Catholic publications, published by Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine since 1885. Click the link below which will redirect you to our website and look for "The Pilgrim 2021" - we hope you enjoy this latest edition which includes Bishop Scharfenberger's childhood memories of the Shrine, Visiting the School of Courage by Fr. Roger J. Landry, and an excerpt on the Martyrs and friendship by William Baaki. Beth Lynch contributes ...an article on vocations, including St. Kateri's, and a 2021 season review. https://www.ourladyofmartyrsshrine.org/bulletin-archive Please make plans to visit the Shrine this year - opening day is May 1. 2022 Season schedule will be published soon!

Joining with everyone across the country today to be a voice for the voiceless! Your prayers, your good works, and your voice are needed!

https://marchforlife.org/2021-virtual-events/

Today, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember the words of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan priest who died in Auschwitz alongside millions of Jews, Catholics, and other victims of the Nazis. Lord, have mercy on us. https://www.ncregister.com//pope-francis-on-holocaust-reme

We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every unborn child is protected in law and welcomed in life. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until all the elderly who have run life’s course are protected against despair and abandonment, protected by the rule of law and the bonds of love. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, until every young woman is given the help she needs to recognize the problem of pregnancy as the gift of life. We shall not weary, we shall not rest, as we stand guard at the entrance gates and the exit gates of life, and at every step along the way of life, bearing witness in word and deed to the dignity of the human personof every human person.

Join us in prayer.

After a year of firsts and wild experiences, 2020 will end with a sighting of the "Christmas Star," a planetary alignment that hasn't been seen for 800 years. Toward the end of December, stargazers can expect to see an incomparable, glowing spot in the night sky. On December 21 the Christmas star will be visible, though it isn't actually a star at all. The guiding point, which is also called the Star of Bethlehem, is actually two planets in a line. Jupiter and Saturn will be... so close to earth, and aligned in orbit, that they'll appear to create an intensely bright "star." Jupiter and Saturn do align some years, though what's uncommon in 2020 is how close they'll appear to Earth. As they align to create a "double planet," as Forbes called the sight, it will be the first time since the middle ages that the alignment has been this visible. Unlike some spectacular celestial occurrences, those who wish to witness the 2020 Christmas Star won't have to stay up all night. Depending on where you are, you can expect to see the phenomenon 45 minutes after the sun sets. The Christmas Star should be visible with your naked eye when looking to the southwest. Of course, if it's a cloudy night you may be out of luck. (Kelly Wynne: What Is the Christmas Star? Iconic Planetary Alignment Will Appear in December After 800 Years via Newsweek.com December 3, 2020)

Following the footsteps of St. JP2, let's truly be a pro life generation and treat every human being with respect, dignity and genuine charity! Be sure to sign ...up for the virtual Living Pro Life conference todayGod bless! You can sign up here: PlatingGrace.org/PG #Livingprolife #Whywemarch #Prolife #Christian #SaintJohnPaulII #JP2

There are so many beautiful miracles surrounding Our Lady of Guadalupe that science is simply unable to explain. . . "There is no under sketch, no sizing and no protective over-varnish on the image. Microscopic examination revealed that there were no brush strokes. The image seems to increase in size and change colors due to an unknown property of the surface and substance of which it is made. According to Kodak of Mexico, the image is smooth and feels like a modern day phot...ograph. Produced 300 years before the invention of photography.) The image has consistently defied exact reproduction, whether by brush or camera. Several images can be seen reflected in the eyes of the Virgin. It is believed to be the images of Juan Diego, Bishop Juan de Zummaraga, Juan Gonzales-the interpreter and others.The distortion and place of the images are identical to what is produced in the normal eye, which is impossible to obtain on a flat surface. The stars on Our Lady's Mantle coincide with the constellation in the sky on December 12, 1531. All who have scientifically examined the image of Our Lady over the centuries confess that its properties are absolutely unique and so inexplicable in human terms that the image can only be supernatural (via Catholic News Agency)." Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for us!!

"Listen, and let it penetrate your heart..." St. Juan Diego, Pray for us!

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Saint of the Day for December 8 In Luke 1:28 the angel Gabriel, speaking on God’s behalf, addresses Mary as fu...ll of grace or highly favored. In that context, this phrase means that Mary is receiving all the special divine help necessary for the task ahead. However, the Church grows in understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit led the Church, especially non-theologians, to the insight that Mary had to be the most perfect work of God next to the Incarnation. Or rather, Mary’s intimate association with the Incarnation called for the special involvement of God in Mary’s whole life. The logic of piety helped God’s people to believe that Mary was full of grace and free of sin from the first moment of her existence. Moreover, this great privilege of Mary is the highlight of all that God has done in Jesus. Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.

Glorious day! The pope has officially declared a Year of St. Joseph today! I just woke up and have to do my morning priestly duties, but I will be back later ...with more. Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty! Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. And now, for the first time in Church history, we have a Year of St. Joseph for the entire Church! Rejoice!!!! See more

Courtesy reminder: Diocese of Albany Marian Consecration lead by Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger: Tuesday, Dec. 8, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception... at 12:15 PM via livestream: rcda.org/livestream. More info.: rcda.org/marianconsecration Please join us and invite those who would be interested. Contact Renée Morgiewicz with questions at [email protected]. Thank you! See more