Andy and Karen at Holy Name Cathedral

Andy Palazzola - Reflection

Saturday morning we went to Assumption Church where we saw Father Joe. They gave us a tour of the church. We went to each stained glass and he explained the story for each one. They had breakfast prepared for us. When we were leaving two homeless teenagers who were very thin looking said, oh you have donuts and Theresa said, yes do you want them. They were so happy to have something to eat. We went to Our Lady of Sorrows Church and Father Chris gave us a tour of the church. We stayed for a concert at the parish. We were going out to get pizza and on the way we saw a homeless man eating a can of cat food. I thought to myself how Blessed I am.. Next time when I find myself complaining about something, I will have to think of these homeless people. The next day we went back to Our Lady of Sorrows for Mass. Father Vidal had a steak dinner for us. This was an awesome trip I want to thank Theresa for being our guide and driving us around Chicago.

Janice with Fr. Vidal Martinez,OSM on the left and Fr. ngel M. Ruiz Garnica,OSM (photo) on the right - Our Lady of Sorrows Priory

Janice Erschen - Reflection

September 13 thru the 15th, my three days in Chicago with the Secular Order Group We visited three Churches, met friends of Theresas, who is a treasure to all in Chicago, and we were welcomed by one and all because of her. The Churches we visited in my opinion, albeit all were architecturally beautiful, are really just churches. What is brought to the Mass by all who attend, all that is offered by the Priest, Brothers, Deacons and servers, each in their own way spreading the Good News of the Lord is what made each Mass special in its own way. The Mass we attended at the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish was like one I have never been a part of nor will ever expect be a witness to again. When I left the Mass I felt physically and emotionally drained and uplifted at the same time. Myself selfishly wanted to see the tower that Trump built, and so I did. I also wanted to see Second City, which brought us the comedic talent of John Bulshi [sic], Gilda Radner and the wonderful John Candy. There are starts in Heaven with their names on them. They left such a void in our lives when they all died so young. I also wanted to see Harpo Studio where Oprah Winfrey broadcasted her television show from for 25 years and so I saw all of them. You might wonder what was the reason I went with a Secular Order group if what I wanted to see was Second City, but you see, I needed both in order to keep my heart and soul balanced.

Karen at Holy Name Cathedral

Karen Palazzola, OSSM - Reflection

This is what comes to mind as the highlights of the Chicago trip for me. When I came to the discernment process of joining the Secular Servite Community. I had never heard of St Peregrine even though My grandmother and Aunt had breast cancer and my Mother-in-Law and Aunt died of pancreatic cancer. I found out there was a Servite Shrine of St Peregrine located in Chicago. When Fr John Fontana was at our meeting my heart was opened to learn more about St Peregrine. I started being more dedicated to attending the first Saturday Healing's. I did not take getting blessed by the priest with the relic lightly. I truly believe that I could ask for intentions for myself and family members and that these intentions would be heard. When Theresa started talking about planning a trip to visit the St Peregrine Shrine. I was really excited. I wanted to see the Servite St Peregrine Shrine. I actually liked the Statue and picture at Ascension better than the Shrine at Our Lady of Sorrows. For some reason I had pictured a Shrine like the Black Madonna in Eureka or Our Lady of the Snows in Illinois and not just a picture of St Peregrine. However, when Fr Chris was speaking about St Peregrine and especially the part about promoting St Peregrine to others who do not know him. I was thinking yes, We do need to do that since I myself

did not know of this saint. His next words touched my heart and soul to the core. He said remember that he is not only the Patron Saint of Cancer and HIV but he can be the intercessor for other diseases like for heart patients and those with Macular Degeneration. I was so glad I was sitting down. I felt an immediate reaction to his words. The tears started to creep up as I got choked up dealing with macular degeneration all these years and not knowing when or if there would be a next bleed or more loss of vision. I began to wonder had my desire to learn more about a Servite Saint helped me to be in remission and helped my doctor come to know of a place that is trying to get me glasses where I can read and see my computer easier. How did Fr Chris with all the disease in the world choose the words heart patient and Macular Degeneration? I think the Holy Spirit put those words in his mouth because I was at a point that the words would be heard and I would believe. The church tours were awesome to learn more about each of them. The hospitality shown to us was overwhelming. Everyone was so gracious and welcoming. It was very evident that we are part of the larger picture then a group of struggling members trying to live the Servite Charism in Affton MO. Singing has always been one of my favorite forms of prayer and the Gospel Concert and the singing at Mass Sunday were Spectacular. I was very pleased with everything about the weekend. Theresa put a lot of hard work into planning such a wonderful pilgrimage. Getting to know my fellow Servite community members better was an added bonus. I even heard my husband say that he might consider joining us in the future. I have asked on numerous occasions and the response is always No.

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Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM National Assistant 3121 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612 p| 773.638.5800 x48 e| Osmsecular@aol.com

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