FROM THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR Fiſteen years ago, a young couple called me for an appointment. ey were expecting their second child, and they’d just learned that the child had serious heart problems. If the baby, a girl, survived until birth, she would require an immediate, very difficult, surgery. If this was successful, she would need two more open-heart opera- tions a few years later. It was a frightening situation, and we talked about it for a long while. As our meeting drew to a close, I promised prayers and asked them to pray together every day. “But Father,” they asked, “How do we pray?” How do we pray? e Catechism of the Catholic Church answers that question by defining prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559). We raise minds and hearts to God through four main divisions of prayer. ey are adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication. e word, “ACTS,” can help us remember these basic divisions. Prayer is Adoration. Human friends recog- nize the good in each other. Adoration is our way of recognizing the unique goodness of God, worshiping and praising him as the su- preme being from whom everything receives its existence. We can adore God in many ways, and as members of the Association, we pray with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Prayer is Contrition. We sometimes offend even our closest friends. When we express regret and are forgiven, friendship is strength- ened. Contrition is expressing sorrow to God for our sins and failings, recognizing God as a loving Savior who understands our weakness FALL BULLETIN Vol. 47, No. 3 THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL 2014 O M A R Y C O N C E I V E D W I T H O U T S I N P R A Y F O R U S W H O H A V E R E C O U R S E T O T H E E and liſts us up when we fall: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” Prayer is anksgiving. Friends do favors for each other and readily express gratitude for favors done. anksgiving recognizes God as the source of all good and expresses gratitude for God’s countless blessings. Mary shows us how to recognize God’s giſts and give thanks to him: “e Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:49). Prayer is Supplication. We turn to friends when we are in need and, because we trust them, we ask for help. In supplication we turn to God, asking Him for what we need, confident that He will hear and grant our petitions. Mary gave us her Miraculous Medal as a promise that she would pray with us, intercede for us, and bring us the blessings that God is eager to give. e young parents whose daughter’s life was in peril wanted to know how to pray. Following the four divisions of prayer outlined above, their prayer might have been something like this. “Dear God, the life of our child is in your hands. We believe you are a loving Father, and that you care for us. We have not always prayed to you as we should, but we humbly turn to you now, trusting in your mercy. We thank you for the giſt of our child’s life and we ask you to keep her from all harm. Send your Holy Spirit to guide the doctors who will be caring for her. Help us face the future with courage, knowing that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is at our side in every dark valley, guiding us to the light of your love. Amen.” is prayer is one that doesn’t just ask. It expresses adoration, contrition, and thanks before it turns to supplication. As we pray, let’s be aware that prayer is more than asking. It is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” through Adoration, Contrition, anksgiving, and Supplication. When the little girl was born, her parents named her “Faith” and had her baptized immediately. By God’s grace, Faith is today a healthy high school student and a living proof of the power of prayer. Faith’s parents are devoted to our Blessed Mother, and Mary certainly interceded for them. Mary wants to intercede for us, her children, helping us raise our minds and hearts to God. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” In Jesus and Mary, Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C.M.
Transcript
FROM THE SPIRITUAL DIRECTORFifteen years ago, a young couple called me
for an appointment. They were expecting their second child, and they’d just learned that the child had serious heart problems. If the baby,
a girl, survived until birth, she would require an immediate, very difficult, surgery. If this was successful, she would need two more open-heart opera-tions a few years later. It was a frightening situation, and we
talked about it for a long while. As our meeting drew to a close, I promised prayers and asked them to pray together every day. “But Father,” they asked, “How do we pray?”
How do we pray? The Catechism of the Catholic Church answers that question by defining prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559). We raise minds and hearts to God through four main divisions of prayer. They are adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication. The word, “ACTS,” can help us remember these basic divisions.
Prayer is Adoration. Human friends recog-nize the good in each other. Adoration is our way of recognizing the unique goodness of God, worshiping and praising him as the su-preme being from whom everything receives its existence. We can adore God in many ways, and as members of the Association, we pray with Mary, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47).
Prayer is Contrition. We sometimes offend even our closest friends. When we express regret and are forgiven, friendship is strength-ened. Contrition is expressing sorrow to God for our sins and failings, recognizing God as a loving Savior who understands our weakness
FALL BULLETIN
Vol. 47, No. 3 THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL 2014
O MAR
Y CO
NCE
IVED
WIT
HO
UT SI
N PRAY FOR US WHO
HAVE RECO
URSE TO
THEE
and lifts us up when we fall: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”
Prayer is Thanksgiving. Friends do favors for each other and readily express gratitude for favors done. Thanksgiving recognizes God as the source of all good and expresses gratitude for God’s countless blessings. Mary shows us how to recognize God’s gifts and give thanks to him: “The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name” (Luke 1:49).
Prayer is Supplication. We turn to friends when we are in need and, because we trust them, we ask for help. In supplication we turn to God, asking Him for what we need, confident that He will hear and grant our petitions. Mary gave us her Miraculous Medal as a promise that she would pray with us, intercede for us, and bring us the blessings that God is eager to give.
The young parents whose daughter’s life was in peril wanted to know how to pray. Following the four divisions of prayer outlined above, their prayer might have been something like this.
“Dear God, the life of our child is in your hands. We believe you are a loving Father, and that you care for us. We have not always prayed to you as we should, but we humbly turn to you now, trusting in your mercy. We thank you for the gift of our child’s life and we ask you to keep her from all harm. Send your Holy Spirit to guide the doctors who will be caring for her. Help us face the future with courage, knowing that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is at our side in every dark valley, guiding us to the light of your love. Amen.”
This prayer is one that doesn’t just ask. It expresses adoration, contrition, and thanks before it turns to supplication. As we pray, let’s be aware that prayer is more than asking. It is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” through Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
When the little girl was born, her parents named her “Faith” and had her baptized immediately. By God’s grace, Faith is today a healthy high school student and a living proof of the power of prayer.
Faith’s parents are devoted to our Blessed Mother, and Mary certainly interceded for them. Mary wants to intercede for us, her children, helping us raise our minds and hearts to God. “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.”
In Jesus and Mary, Fr. Oscar J. Lukefahr, C.M.
Page 2THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
GREETINGS FROM THE CEOEach day as the sun rises here in Perryville, Father Luke and our staff gather to start
answering the heartfelt letters that have come in overnight. A great many are prayer requests for family and friends. We are consumed with emotion, mourning and rejoicing with and for our members. One such letter with a story from Sister Marcia entitled, A Maiden, a Medal, and a Marine, touched me so deeply I thought I would share it with you:
“The year was 1944, the time of World War II. Sending care packages of homemade cookies, and writing to lonely, young servicemen, who had enlisted in the various branches of military service, found popularity among high school girls.
At the time I was a 16-year-old high school girl who worked after school for 40 cents an hour in a family owned grocery store. The mother of an overseas marine was a regular
customer who spoke about her son, Bernie. She moved me to decide to correspond with him. Photos and regular correspondence began between the two of us. At the same time, I felt a strong tug to answer God’s call to religious life, a desire which began in my early life.
One day I wrote a final letter to my marine friend informing him of my decision. I enclosed a large, aluminum Miraculous Medal, entrusting Bernie and his safety to our Blessed Mother. I entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Third Order of St. Francis two days after my 17th birthday. Bernie served for three and a half years in the south Pacific. He returned home safely and married a few years later.
Fast forward 52 years. Bernie’s sister came to the convent where I resided. She told me about her visits to a number of convents trying to locate me. Bernie wondered about the young girl who wrote to him in the service and then entered the convent.
The family decided to surprise Bernie by inviting me to celebrate his 73rd birthday. When I met Bernie in person, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the Miraculous Medal that I had sent him 52 years ago. The aluminum features were worn smooth from repeated handling. He referred to Mary as “my girl” and spoke passionately of her constant presence and protection.
Within a few months of my visit, Bernie was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia. While he was in the hospital, I visited him and blessed him with holy oil. He asked me, “Will you be my sister?” I said “yes.” Soon after I received a phone call with the news that Bernie’s condition would get worse and that he could be removed from life support systems the next morning. His wife asked me if I would come to see Bernie. I arrived the next day. The doctor asked Bernie if he was willing and ready. A look of intense fear and anxiety registered on Bernie’s face as he shook his head side to side. I then asked if I could speak with Bernie alone.
I sat down beside Bernie and held his hand in which he was holding his Miraculous Medal. I assured him of “his girl’s” presence and care for him throughout his life, and that she would not leave him now. Mary would bring him to heaven where he would meet his parents. His expression changed to one of peace and relaxation. I asked him if he was ready. Bernie indicated his consent with a nod of his head. And so Bernie left this life within a few hours. Forty former servicemen held a prayerful service that evening. Bernie was laid to rest the next morning with military honors and with his treasured Miraculous Medal in his hand.”
Your many correspondences show that every one of us has a true hunger, thirst, and need for God. I encourage you to call, write, or email. Tell us about your struggles and triumphs. Father Luke and our loving staff will answer your calls, pray with you, and bring you closer to Jesus through the intercession of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Yours in Jesus and Mary,
Don Fulford, AMM C.E.O.
Page 3THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
NEW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR AT THE ASSOCIATION Please join me in welcoming Mary Gail Reding
as the new Development Director of the As-sociation in Perryville. Mary Gail is working with donors and staff to promote our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. She is based in Chicago but is spending time each month at the Perryville office looking at new ways to spread devotion to Mary and her Miraculous Medal. Mary Gail brings expertise working with both non-profit and for-profit organizations. She has been devoted to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal since her childhood and has experienced many
miracles through Mary’s intercession.Before coming to the Association, Mary Gail was a part of the
development team at the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, providing support to the only Catholic university in the former Soviet Union. She was responsible for working with donors and planning pilgrimages and special events across the United States. Mary Gail is an active parishioner at her parish, St. Mary of the Angels, and enjoys promoting the Miraculous Medal and Eucharistic Adoration to children and families. She looks forward to sharing her love of our Blessed Mother with Association friends like you.
FALL GIFT BROCHURE ENCLOSEDWith this issue of the Fall Bulletin, you will find a four page
brochure offering various religious items you can purchase through our Lady’s Association. This brochure offers you many wonderful, traditional items, blessed at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, that express your devotion to our Blessed Mother. To place an order, call 1-800-264-6279 for personal and friendly service, email us at www.amm.org, or complete the gift order reply form enclosed with this Bulletin and return it to us.
CHRISTMAS COUNTRY CHURCH TOURFor the past nine years, country churches of various denominations
in Perry, Bollinger, and Cape counties in Missouri have opened their doors for visitors to view their Christmas decorations and to spend a few moments in silent prayer during the Advent season. As the 10th year of the tour approaches, more than 25 churches and chapels will be participating. For the first time, the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church/Bishop Rosati log cabin) will be among the many churches on the tour, December 18 and 19, from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CT. If you live close by, make plans to take part in visiting the beautiful country churches.
Page 4THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
SAVE THE DATE – JOIN OUR 2015 SPRING PILGRIMAGE TO ITALY Hello Fellow Pilgrim,
I want to personally invite you to experience a historical and inspirational journey of faith with our Blessed Virgin Mary to Italy, May 29 – June 8, 2015. Please consider joining me and other members of the Association of the Miraculous on this all inclusive pilgrimage through Italy. Walk where Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare, and Saint Anthony of Padua walked, see the Shroud of Turin, and experience the Passion of our Christ play.
These are a few of the highlights you will experience in Italy:• The 1,900-year-old Coliseum• Basilica of St Paul – the most beautiful of all the Roman churches• Vatican Museums and Trevi Fountain• The cities of Pompeii, Assisi, Florence, and Padua • Michelangelo’s superb “David” and many of the master’s unfinished works• A walking tour of Venice• Shroud of Turin• Black Madonna of Loreto and Santuario Santa Maria di Loreto in Graglia
An inspiring highlight of your journey will be attending the Passion Play which is performed by local villagers every five years in Sordevolo. This impressive, unique, moving theatrical spectacle has taken place in this small town every year since the beginning of the 18th century. More than 700 of the town’s residents volunteer as actors and transform the ancient streets of Sordevolo into a reconstructed corner of Jerusalem circa 33 A.D.
For more information or to reserve your spot for this faith-filled pilgrimage, please call 1-800-264-6279, send an email to ammfather@ammorg, send a postal letter to the Association of the Miraculous Medal, or visit us online at www.amm.org. A full brochure and registration form will be mailed to you upon request. I look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you on this fabulous trip.
Fr. Charles F. Shelby, C.M. Assistant Spiritual Director
Page 5THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
SPEAK WITH US, PRAY WITH US The Association is grateful for your friendship. Please know that we are just a phone call away if you need
to pray with us, or would like someone to talk to. We are here for you, ready to listen. To speak with one of our staff members, just call 1-800-264-MARY (6279), Monday – Friday between 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CT. You can also reach us anytime by emailing us at [email protected].
As part of the Association’s mission of bringing Mary, conceived without sin, to the Catholics of North America, we are committed to reaching out to the Hispanic Catholic community. Our Spanish website, www.ammespanol.org, recently went live, and we also obtained a toll-free phone number, 1-800-360-2104. If you know someone who speaks Spanish and would like to know more about the Association and the work we do, please have them call the new phone number or visit the Spanish website. My staff will be happy to assist them.
HOW WE PRAY FOR YOUSince “prayer” is the focus of this Bulletin, I thought you would like to know how the staff at our Lady’s Association
prays for you and your intentions. Monday through Friday at 11:55 a.m. CT, the Angelus is said as a group with you in mind. Tuesday through Friday several staff members attend the daily Mass offered at the Shrine and remember your intentions in their prayers. On the first Tuesday of each month, the staff attends Adoration in the Shrine Church led by Fr. Luke, and once a month a rosary is offered for you. On Monday nights at 7:15 p.m. CT, your intentions are also remembered in the novena followed by Mass. As you can see, many prayers are being offered here at the Association for the intentions you hold dear to your heart. For daily inspiration, check out our website amm.org for a scripture verse, or visit us on Facebook for additional scripture verses. Our website also contains many prayers to our Lady and for other occasions. Click on the “Pray With Us” tab to find these prayers and more. Each of us need prayer and encouragement. And when our prayers come together as one, they hold immense power.
Left: Staff monthly adorationBottom Left: Dedication of Prayer PlazaBottom: Staff Group picture in frontof the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal
Page 6THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
Evelyn By: Mr. Loren T. Sigler Craig Andawi By: Mrs. Suad Husaynu Jean Angst By: Miss Alice F. Angst Dorothy Bartsch By: Mrs. Joan Morris Jason C. Biggerstaff By: Mrs. Mary Alice Biggerstaff Bernadette Bird By: Ms. Evelyn Bird Edward R. Bodogh, Sr. By: Mrs. Anna G. Bodogh David L. Borunda By: Mrs. E. Rachel Borunda Melina T. Bourque By: Mr. Jacques J. Bourque Jeanne Bowdish By: Ms. Joanne M. Van de Wiele Eileen Breslin By: Mr. Richard B. Bulman Eileen Breslin By: Mary Ann Crane Eileen Breslin By: Gannett Fleming Inc Eileen Breslin By: Defense Logistics Agency Eileen Breslin By: Marianne McGuireEileen C. Breslin By: Maria E. ReynaEileen C. Breslin By: Dr. Brian D. CarnavilEileen Crane Breslin By: Patricia Daly Eileen Crane Breslin By: Steve McGill Lynne and Therese Gilardi Eileen C. Crane Breslin By: Daren, Bert, Mike, Meg, Larry, Bill, Bob, Jim, and Randy Alma Brew By: Rose Mary Balassi Father John Brosnan, C.M. By: Claire and Don Persich Alma Bru By: Rose Mary Balassi Marge Brzezinski By: Mr. Roger Brzezinski Franklin Peter Burgin By: Ms. Ellen M. Sullivan Robert Burlison By: Mrs. Eileen Burlison
Edward Carley By: Mrs. Joyce E. Carley Father Jack Cawley, C.M. By: Mr. John A. Butterfield Father Jack Cawley, C.M. By: Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Nudo Father Jack Cawley, C.M. By: Ms. Lorraine Nettleton Father Jack Cawley, C.M. By: Kathleen Nettleton Father John P. Cawley, C.M. By: Margaret Langenbach Father John P. Cawley, C.M. By: Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Smith Father John P. Cawley, C.M. By: Karen McGhee Father John P. Cawley, C.M. By: Ms. Deirdre O’Hora and Family John Cirilli By: Mrs. Margaret Cirilli Francis M. Connolly By: Mrs. Mary J. Connolly Margaret Cook By: Mr. Eugene Cook Dolores King Cordes By: Mr. Stephen King Cordes Frank John Cordes By: Mr. Stephen King Cordes Mary Cordileone By: Ruth and Ron Poynor Wilfred Cordova By: Mary Rose Cordova Joseph Cosulich By: Mrs. Joseph Cosulich J. Paul Cox By: Mrs. Patricia M. Cox Santos Cruz By: Miss Jenny Cruz Mary Elizabeth Curran By: Mr. James Joseph Hubbs, Jr. Jane DeSanto By: Mrs. Donna Serviolo Margaret Mary DeVillier By: Mr. Moise DeVillier, Jr. Jeanie DiPolito By: Miss Francine DiPolito Emily Domanico By: Miss Dolores W. Fischer Margaret ‘Peggy’ Dunn By: Miss Barbara A. Dunn Glenna M. Durant By: Mr. Joseph L. Durant Kimberly Eakes By: Mrs. Leonard Friesen Kathryn J. Epps By: Ms. Claudia D. Du Merville
Henrietta Evaskitis By: Mrs. Debra Pawlek Irene E. Fairchild By: Ms. Sharon Canino Anthony Feraro By: Ms. Kathy Feraro Jerry Fournier By: Bob and Celeste Fournier Thomas Gaffney By: Mrs. Barbara Arroyo Joshua Gaines By: Mr. and Mrs. Vernon David Roessler Kathleen Gelo By: Mr. Joseph Gelo Anne Gensler By: Mr. Thomas J. Gensler Robert N. Glaub By: Mrs. Karen Glaub Ezer B. Gonzales By: Virginia G. Mercado Mrs. Eileen Graham By: Mr. Peter Graham Herman Gregory By: Miss Cynthia R. Yingling Edward M. Gruber By: Mrs. Vivian Gruber Joanne Guimond By: Mr. Roland A. Guimond Bill Hagzan By: Mrs. William C. Hagzan Robert Hegyi By: Mrs. Rose Hegyi Norman Bernard Heimos By: Mrs. Jacqueline L. Heimos Gary Hidalgo By: Yvette Melancon Steven F. Hill, Jr. By: Mr. and Mrs. Marcel P. Nadeau Lillian Hird By: Mrs. Jackie Claus Hugo Hitzelberger By: Mrs. Caroljean Stutzman Joseph Holoubek By: Miss Mary Jo Holoubek Louis S. Holtman By: Mrs. Ruth Elizabeth Ricciuti Charles Hoog By: Mrs. Florence Hoog Deloris Huttinger By: Mr. and Mrs. Roger West Francis R. Johnson By: Mrs. Gloria Moak Russell B. Jorgensen By: Mrs. Nancy Jorgensen Albertine Kallabat
IN MEMORY OF:
BEQUESTS:
THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDALHAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE GIFTS...
Albert J. Wilson
Page 7THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDALHAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE GIFTS...
By: Mrs. Suad Husaynu Mary Kapustka By: Mrs. Richard Peters Thomas Keenan By: Mrs. Catherine Keenan Mary H. Keevins By: Mr. James R. Keevins Sharon Kelly By: Denis RouxHelen Kirkish By: Gold River Villagers Helen Kirkish By: Bill and Helen Grasberger Helen Kirkish By: Mr. David Grasberger Steve Kish By: Mrs. Frances Kish Teresa M. Kissane By: Mr. Barry W. Kissane Steven Kovacs By: Mrs. Margaret A. Adamec Irene Kronberg By: Mr. Adolph R. Kronberg Anna B. Kruszewski By: Mr. Victor A. Kruszewski Helen Kruszewski By: Mr. Victor A. Kruszewski Victor Kruszewski, Sr. By: Mr. Victor A. Kruszewski Gerard Lamy By: Mrs. Gerard Lamy Charles Laux By: Miss Arlene Laux Ed Lawrence, Sr. By: Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Lawrence Eleanor Lawrence By: Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Lawrence Gerald Lawrence By: Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Lawrence Geralynn Lion By: Mrs. Eunice Lion Joanna J. Lottes By: Mr. John Lottes III Susie Manica By: Mrs. Joan Kimmis Fred Mascuilli By: Mr. and Mrs. Vincenzo J. Manuppello John Mazzuca By: Mrs. Barbara Mazzuca Mrs. Mary Ann McGuire By: Mr. John J. McGuire Margaret Mendez By: Mr. Joe Mendez, Sr. Eileen F. Metzger
By: Mr. Frank E. Metzger Eileen F. Metzger By: Vicki and Kevin McGrath Eileen F. Metzger By: Cindy and Daniel Egierski Eileen F. Metzger By: Peggy and Robert Gower Eileen F. Metzger By: Sean and Sarah McGrath Eileen F. Metzger By: Ryan Egierski Eileen F. Metzger By: Lauren Egierski Eileen F. Metzger By: Daniel Gower Eileen F. Metzger By: Jonathan Gower Eileen F. Metzger By: Natalie Gower Joanne Montesanti By: Mr. Frank Montesanti Bernardo “Bernie” Morales By: Miss Edna Morales Charlotte Moreland By: Mr. Scott Moreland Anne Morey By: Dr. Jane F. Brooks, M.D. Cathleen Ann Morgan By: Margaret Morgan Dolores Mueller By: Mrs. Jane Buckley Paul Munchiando By: Mrs. Deloris Munchiando Elsie Martinez Mundo By: Mr. Jose A. Mundo, Jr. Janet Kennedy Murphy By: Mr. Joseph A. Murphy Charles Nawrocki By: Jane Kushma Robert (Bob) Nestel, Jr. By: Mrs. Joanne B. Nestel William Noyce By: Mrs. William A. Noyce Joan Ofenloch By: Mrs. Ann Marie DeVries Bernice Olk By: Mrs. Kathleen M. Fielding John Palmieri By: Mrs. Frances Parisi William A. Perry, Jr. By: Mrs. Lois Perry Father Harold Persich, C.M. By: Claire and Don Persich Father Nicholas Persich, C.M.
By: Claire and Don Persich Richard Peters By: Mrs. Richard Peters Robert M. Petruska By: Mrs. Margaret Klovis Maria Qua Thi Pham By: Minh Van Pham John Phelan By: Mrs. Joanne Phelan Bob Pinar By: Mrs. Elaine Pinar Eugene Pojar By: Mrs. Rosalie Pojar Loretta Powell By: Ms. Martha Powell Roger Quinlin By: Linda and Jerry Boos Lora F. Rader By: Mr. John D. Rader Shellie J. Robinson, Jr. By: Mrs. Barbara Robinson Mrs. Mary Root By: Ms. Donna M. Malvey James E. Ryan By: Jim and Dana Emily E. Saienni By: Ms. Mary C. Saienni Pat Schell By: Barbara A. Bregant Pat Schell By: Ms. Susan B. Raaz Jed G. Schissel By: Mr. and Mrs. James Schissel Peter Schneider By: Mrs. Peter Schneider Karen Schockmel By: Mr. Gerald Schockmel Louise M. Scocchera By: Mr. Roger DeCarbo Marilyn Selden By: Ms. Claudia D. Du Merville Father James Seyer By: Claire and Don Persich Timmy Sinnott By: Mr. Thomas M. Sinnott, Jr. Violeta Smedbeck By: Dr. Jane F. Brooks, M.D. Jean T. Smith By: Mr. Bernard F. Smith Ralph C. Smith, Jr. By: Mrs. M. Frances Smith Rose E. Smith By: Ms. Claudia D. Du Merville Mary Jane Smodic
Page 8THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
ROSES FOR ROMEOn November 4-9, leaders of our faith will come together
in Rome at the first General Assembly of the International Association of the Miraculous Medal --- and they want to pray for you. Several staff members from our Lady’s Association in Perryville will be attending the Assembly and will place a “Roses for Rome Prayer Wreath” in the chapel as a reminder of the special members we have at the Association. On the final day of the General Assembly, the wreath will be carried in a procession to Saint Peter’s Square for a most holy time of prayer and thanksgiving.
I ask that you please remember to pray for my staff and for all of those who will be gathering at the first General Assembly of the International Association of the Miraculous Medal. Join us in asking our Blessed Mother to obtain God’s graces for the whole world. You
will be in our prayers through the Assembly, including the Papal Audience on November 5, and the Angelus in Saint Peter’s Square on November 9. Fill out the enclosed reply form with your intentions to be remembered in Rome and here at our Lady’s Shrine. Visit our website amm.org for more information about the Assembly.
By: Mr. Mark Smodic Emanuel Sonny Splendorio By: Mrs. Joan H. Splendorio Bernadine Stawarczik By: Mr. Rudolph Stawarczik James Stedina By: Mrs. Evelyn Stedina Marx V. Stott By: Mrs. Alice L. Stott Bill Stutzman By: Mrs. Caroljean Stutzman Kiss Gyorgyne Terezia By: Mrs. Anita Zukow Maria Consolacion Tolentino By: Miss Trinidad Tolentino Christine Trainor By: Mr. Emmett G. Trainor James Richard Tulipana By: Mrs. Mary Ellen Tulipana Stacia Vaganek
By: Mr. and Mrs. Vincent V. Merlo Alan George Vick By: Mrs. Patricia Vick Andrew Joseph Wappelhorst By: Mr. and Mrs. Don Wappelhorst Louis Weber By: Mrs. Nathalie Weber Charles E. Whitten By: Mr. Paul W. Leible Jon Howar Wight By: Mrs. Elisa Wight Paul Thomas Winberry By: Mrs. Lynn Winberry Ida B. Wittlinger By: Mr. Barry W. Kissane Edward Wood By: Mary Ann and Jim Helen D. Yezzi By: Mrs. Bonnie Nicolosi Dorothy Zola By: Mrs. Sharon Zola Fedorek Ted Zola
AMM By: Mr. James McDade Father Bob Lamy, C.M. By: Mrs. Gerard LamyConcetta Marinaro By: Ms. Rosemarie Marinaro Karen and Jack Murphy By: Mrs. Ellen Shur Mr. and Mrs. Dolph Nager By: Mr. William E. Przywara Margaret and Doyle Pargin By: Mrs. Barbara Buchen L. J. and Jo Sevin By: Mrs. Janice M. Sevin
IN HONOR OF:
THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDALHAS RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING TRIBUTE GIFTS...
Page 9THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
A MEMBER’S LEGACYAgnes Nett was born on October 12, 1922 to Benjamin and Veronica Nett in Wilmot,
Wisconsin. She was the youngest of three children. Agnes traveled the world and enjoyed life to the fullest. Before her retirement in 1978, Agnes worked for many years at Snap On Tools in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She was a special friend and neighbor. Our Lord called Agnes to her heavenly home on February 14, 2012 at the age of 89.
Agnes was a very charitable person. Her donations were usually made with children in mind and for research to make the lives of all much better. During her life she faithfully wore her Miraculous Medal. Agnes’ family felt it was important that her medal be buried with her.
For 25 years Agnes was a faithful friend of our Lady’s Association. She even had the opportunity to visit our Lady’s Shrine in Perryville. She was especially fascinated with the Votive Light Sanctuary located in the Shrine Church since Agnes burned Votive Lights through our Lady’s Association.
All of us at our Lady’s Association feel blessed to have counted on Agnes as a friend for so many years. Just as she supported our work during her lifetime, she also kindly remembered us after her death with a gift from her estate.
Would you like to share the story of the Miraculous Medal with the next generation? By remembering the Association of the Miraculous Medal in your will, you can do just that. Send for a free brochure with more information by calling 1-800-264-MARY(6279), emailing [email protected], or by checking the box on the reply form.
PLANNED GIVINGCarry on your legacy by supporting our Lady’s Miraculous Medal through your will…
Our Lady is a very important part of our lives. Help us continue to bring her to the Catholics of North America by naming the Association of the Miraculous Medal in your will.
Legacy gifts through wills and trusts help us bring the story of the Miraculous Medal to many people. The Association has been blessed throughout the years with many gifts from estates. These gifts are extremely important to us in planning for our future work.
Please consider remembering the Association of the Miraculous Medal in your will so we can continue to bring the story of our Lady’s love to future generations. This is a wonderful way to give thanks to God and his loving Mother for the worldly possessions you have been able to accumulate. And it shows your belief in our Lady’s work.
If you don’t have a will, now is the time to consider how important one is for your family and those who you want to share your legacy. Would you consider sharing your legacy with the Association of the Miraculous Medal and helping spread our Lady’s message? To make a difference or to request more information, please call 1-800-264-6279 and ask for Mary Gail or Linda. They will be happy to assist you and answer any questions. We have a brochure available that gives some excellent tips on how to get started making your estate plans. Request it on the enclosed reply form. (X061)
Page 10THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAMThe Association would like to encourage you to become a member of the Miraculous Medal Monthly Giving
Program. This is a convenient, once-a-month giving plan that allows you to support the Association’s prayerful call to action promoting devotion to our Lady under her title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. You can choose one of three easy ways to make your monthly donation - an automatic charge on your credit card, a transfer from your bank account on the 10th of each month, or you can mail us a check. You remain in full control of your finances as monthly donations may be cancelled at any time. As a member of our Monthly Giving Program, you become a powerful force for good in our world. If you would like additional information, visit our website www.amm.org/SupportAMM/Monthly Giving Club.aspx or call our office 1-800-264-6279.
A PROMISE TO MARY
As a member of our Lady’s Association, Sandra asked that we share her experience with unanswered prayers. She hopes her story helps you to be patient with the power of prayer like Saint Monica who prayed for years for the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine.
Sandra was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States nearly 20 years ago. She currently lives in Florida and has one daughter and two grandchildren. As a young girl, her mother’s friend introduced her to the Miraculous Medal. Since then she has been devoted to wearing the medal and saying the rosary.
Last year Sandra visited our Lady’s Shrine as a promise she made to our Blessed Mother. Although Sandra’s visit was a fi-nancial sacrifice, she told our Lady that even if her prayers were not answered in the way she wanted them to be, she would still make the trip to Perryville to honor her. Sandra prays every day and knows her prayers are being heard, but like most of us, she is hoping the answer comes soon. For Sandra, the answer can’t come soon enough. She is ill with an incurable disease and feels she may not live long enough to see her prayers answered.
Tearfully, Sandra shared that someone close to her fell away from the Church. The loved one joined another religion for a while, but now she hops from one church to another. Because of Sandra’s deep faith and devotion to our Blessed Mother, it’s heartbreaking for her to see this loved one cut off from the Catholic faith. Sandra’s fervent hope and prayer is to see her loved one return to the Catholic faith and have peace in her life before God calls Sandra home to himself.
Sandra puts her loved one in God’s hands and feels confident that one way or another, her prayers will be favorably answered.
Our Blessed Mother has interceded on Sandra’s behalf so many times in the past that she knows Mary will come through for her again. Sandra’s love for our Blessed Mother is so great, and she wants others to know that Mary cares and gives us strength. In closing, Sandra challenges each of us to pray every day for our Lady’s intercession and for the graces promised to us. This is the path to God!
FROM THE MAIL:
Dear Father,After four and a half years of painful unemployment, my 67-year-old husband has just been blessed with
the miracle of a wonderful new job. I persevered in prayer, attended daily Mass as often as I could, and offered many rosaries. I have a Miraculous Medal pinned to my clothing and asked for our Lady’s intercession every day. Praise God for answering this prayer, and all thanksgiving to our Blessed Mother for interceding so powerfully. Never give up. Persevere! God never fails in hearing and answering our prayers.
J.R. – MADear Father,
I’m writing about my friend who was driving in the rain on a highway. Her van hydroplaned and as she fell against the door as the van was spinning around, the door opened. It happened so fast but when the van came to a stop, my friend wondered why she wasn’t thrown from the van. She then noticed there was something holding the door closed. It was her rosary which had fallen out of her coat pocket and wrapped around her seat and the door. Thanks to our Blessed Mother my friend was unharmed. She is truly our mother and is always watching over us. N. K. – PA
Dear Father,Our family thanks the Association of the Miraculous
Medal for their prayers for my husband. He is able to lead a fairly normal life after having several cardiac surgeries and two bouts of pneumonia. We are so thankful to our Blessed Mother for her intercession. M. B. – DEDear Father,
In March I asked you and the Association to pray that I would have a safe and successful shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder. Not only were our prayers answered, but my shoul-der is healing well. Thank you for your prayers, and thank God for our Blessed Mother’s intercession.
C.L – via emailDear Father,
I have always had a special prayer that I say to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. My grandmother showed me that in order to be helped, you have to contribute a few prayers in return. I must say that our Lady has never led me astray, only towards her. And now I am showing my daughters the same thing. I am so grateful to our Blessed Mother. I.N. – NJ
Page 11THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
Our Mission We bring Mary conceived without sin to the Catholics of North America. She reveals God’s fatherly love and her own motherly concern.
We invite members to greater holiness: attending to their pastoral and spiritual needs, forming them in the Christian life, and involving them in the apostolate of charity, especially toward the clergy and the most abandoned.
The National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal is our center of prayer.
We appreciate any support you can offer to help offset the cost of our quarterly bulletin. Please use the enclosed reply envelope to send your support and your prayer requests. As always, you are remembered in the Masses and
prayers offered at our Lady’s Shrine.
Association of the Miraculous Medal 1811 West Saint Joseph Street, Perryville, Missouri 63775-1598
Phone Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Central Time, Monday thru Friday 1-800-264-MARY (6279) • www.amm.org • [email protected]
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Page 12THE ASSOCIATION OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL www.amm.org
NOVENA SCHEDULE
October 7th-15thNovember 19th-27thDecember 8th-16th
Association of the Miraculous Medal Board of Directors Our Board Members welcome your emails at
[email protected] Patrick Carron Joe GuilliamsConnie Eichhorn Sr. Julia Huiskamp, D.C.Mary Lou Frank Roger SteinbeckerFr. John Gagnepain, C.M. Fr. Ray Van Dorpe, C.M.Debbie Gahan Gary Welker
