CHELSEA – The Servants of Charity Community in Michigan was honored to host our Superior General, Very Rev. Umberto Brugnoni and his assistant Bro. Franco Lain, for a five-day visit from Friday, October 19th through Wednesday, October 24th. The purpose of the visit was to provide the new leader of the Servants of Charity with an opportunity to visit St. Louis Center in Chelsea and the Pious Union of St. Joseph in Grass Lake, and to assess the operations of each program and visit their new facilities. Fr. Umberto and Bro. Franco were relaxed and comfortable during their stay, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit their confreres in the United States.
Take a few moments to read the article by one of our Guanellian Cooperators about an increase of violence against police officers in the United States. Let us pray for all of the men and women who protect citizens against crime and violence. The article was originally published in “Now and at the Hour’ magazine, a bi-monthly publication from the Pious Union of St. Joseph in Grass Lake MI.
Grass Lake – “’Til death do us part.” Many people have trouble making commitments, especially life-long commitments. True, it can be a little scary when you don’t know what’s ahead, but if we let the Lord into our lives and remember that He holds us in the palm of His hand, it becomes just a little easier, and we know that “all will be well.” Two good friends of the Shrine, and Guanellian Cooperators, Jim and Sue Phillips, let the Lord into their lives 40 years ago and recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary. They received a special blessing from Fr. Satheesh after Mass and their rings were re-blessed. It’s so good to see couples celebrating these special milestones, and is also encouraging for the younger couples.
Grass Lake – On the March 19th Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, the Shrine of St. Joseph was filled with a constant flow of pilgrims. The Women’s Guild prepared the Shrine by stocking the gift shop, setting up St. Joseph’s table and filling the place with votive candles for the pilgrims to light in honor of their loved ones. Pilgrims arriving in the morning were blessed with the celebration of the Holy Mass and the sacrament of Confession. They also had time to enjoy lunch and refreshments offered by the Women’s Guild. The Chaldean pilgrims arriving in the afternoon had time to visit all areas of the Shrine, pray for their loved ones, light candles and receive blessings from Fr. Satheesh, Shrine Director. Many of our Chaldean sisters pray for the safety of their husbands still living in Iraq. A total of eleven buses visited the Shrine that day.
Grass Lake – Fr. Satheesh Alphonse, SdC and Sr. Ann Hubler, DSMP hosted a Guanellian Family event on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30th. The families attended Mass and made Advent wreaths to use in their homes.
Grass Lake – The month of September has been a month full of activities at the Shrine. We had a day dedicated to the family. On September 13th, we invited Peter Herbeck to talk to the families who come to the Shrine regarding “Challenges American Families Face and What the Lord Asks us to do.” Peter Herbeck has been inspired by the Holy Spirit from a young age, and speaks at many conferences and on Catholic Radio around the country. It was a very informative speech followed by a question and answer session.
The month of September has also been a month for pilgrims. St. Stephens Catholic School in New Boston, MI came to visit the Shrine in two groups. The first group came on September 14th with their 1st and 2nd graders along with the chaperones and teachers. Fr. John Hedges led the group since he has been involved with the Shrine from its beginnings. He has been coming here since the time of Fr. Germano, and he directed the kids for a wonderful tour. Then the 3rd and the 4th graders came on the 29th of the month. Fr. John came along too, and both times the group participated in the Holy Eucharist. On September 15th, a group from St. Anthony’s Parish, Indiana, came to visit the Shrine. They participated in the Mass and ate their lunch in the Pastoral Center. It is always a blessing to have pilgrims come since we are inspired by their faith in the powerful intercession of St. Joseph. During these pilgrimages, the Women’s Guild actively assisted the Director.
Grass Lake – On August 9th, the Pious Union of St. Joseph Women’s Guild hosted a four course High Tea to honor three of its members, Lana Senart, Celia Rossi, and Jacquie McGinn. They were all honored for their love, dedication, and deep devotion to the Pious Union. The tea was held in the gardens of one of the members, Susan Nabozny. The 25 ladies were all provided with an authentic Victorian hat to wear. During the tea, each honoree was toasted individually. They prayed, sang and gave thanks to Jesus for these three ladies’ devotion to the Pious Union and for all the members of the guild. Father Satheesh was present to give his blessing. The day ended with a tour of the gardens and a prayer of thanksgiving. Each guest went home with a homemade gift from the garden.
Grass Lake – To further beautify and heighten the spiritual experience of pilgrims to the Shrine of St. Joseph, two new stained glass windows were installed in the sanctuary. Generous donors provided the necessary funds that allowed the images of angels carrying the Holy Eucharist from heaven to come to fruition.
Grass Lake – The month of May, being dedicated to the Blessed Mother, was an encouraging phenomenon. Here at the Pious Union of St. Joseph, the month opened with a solemn celebration to St. Joseph, the Worker, on May 1st. The evening began with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and solemn evening prayer. Then the St. Joseph chaplet was recited; devotions concluded with benediction. The evening continued with snacks and a time of sharing how each person came to be a member of the Pious Union of St. Joseph.
May Crowning was on Sunday, May 3rd with Mass celebrated in the Grotto. After Mass, the Rosary was recited followed by the crowning of the Blessed Mother. The crown was presented by Annalise, who received her first communion the day before; Mary Parrish climbed up to place the crown on the Blessed Mother. The weather was perfect for May crowning. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Grass Lake – After collecting costumes over the past few years and honing the script, Sr. Brenda McHugh presented the ‘Live’ stations of the Cross at the Shrine of St. Joseph on Good Friday. Several families rallied together to play the roles and make final preparations for this moving event. The stations were prayed as an outdoor procession from the Shrine steps out to the Cross at the Calvary. A large crowd of the faithful joined the Way of the Cross as part of their Good Friday devotions.
Servants of Charity 