July 2008                                             Volume XXV                                                  Number 3

 

From the Pastor

 

It happens that we are never at a loss for reasons to celebrate something special or other at Assumption Grotto. Event follows event and we never seem to have rest. This is, in part, the outcome of having a vibrant parish with a long history where rich spiritual traditions are yet lived.

 

This year commemorates the 150^th anniversary of the appearances of Our Lady at Lourdes, France. Our outdoor Grotto, as you may know, was built by our founding pastor, Father Amandus Vandendriesse, in 1886 as a local Lourdes shrine. His dream became a reality when our Grotto became a place of pilgrimage for many people in the Detroit area. The connection between Lourdes, France and Detroit USA may seem somewhat remote, but the religious solidarity of faith and devotion centered in the Virgin Mary is genuine and Her maternal presence is assured in all shrines where She is loved and honored.

 

It was Cardinal Maida=s desire in sending me to become pastor of Assumption Grotto parish that the history of Marian devotion be kept alive and well here. I hope that His Eminence has not been disappointed in this. We have done much work and spent many resources in maintaining the Grotto and in encouraging devotion to the Mother of God. In this Jubilee Year of Lourdes, France, we find ourselves rejoicing for the many favors heaven  has shown us here in our own Lourdes Grotto.

 

Some of you may not have heard that we have here the daily Tridentine Mass, that form of the Latin Mass in universal use before the Second Vatican Council. Since our Holy Father Benedict XVI has now permitted a return to the older rite, we are making generous use of this privilege, not only on Sundays at 9:30 a.m., but also on weekdays. Word has it that the Pope would like every parishBeventuallyBto have Mass in the older form for at least some Masses. Even though this is a return to an older usage of the Roman Rite, it would be a giant step forward in advancing a more reverent manner of conducting the sacred liturgy. We can only pray that this wish of the Holy Father will become a reality, and soon.

 

I want to conclude this rather brief message with the notice that the soundtrack recording of the musical play Palla Eius which our parish produced last year will soon be released. Check with the parish office sometime in September for availability of the CDs.

 

Fr. Perrone

 

 

 

 

 

MASSES                                                                           ROSARIES

6:30 a.m.  Priest available- Church                                         9:00, 11:00 a.m.,  3:00 p.m. - Living Rosary

9:30 a.m.  Priest available - Church                                                        & 6:15 p.m. - Shrine     

Noon        Priest available - Shrine

7:00 p.m.  Fr. Eduard Perrone & Concelebrants

         Knights of Columbus Honor Guard                   STATIONS OF THE CROSS

         Lourdes Candlelight Procession after Mass                 2:00 p.m. - Priest available

 

 

CONFESSION                                                                        MIRACULOUS MEDAL - Talk & enrollment                       

11:00a.m., 1:30  & 3:45 p.m.                                           After the noon Mass in the Shrine - Priest available

                                        

LIVING ROSARY & BLESSING OF THE SICK

3:00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Living Rosary, Blessing of the Sick and Benediction - Shrine

 

BLESSING OF HERBS

4:00 p.m. - Shrine -

 

REFRESHMENTS

 

Italian Dinner - Mostaccioli with Meatball, salad, bread, butter and beverage served in the gym from 1:00-5:30 p.m.  Adults: $7.00- Children 12 and under $5.00.                    

Lunch Bar -     Fast food and beverages served in the gym until 5:30 p.m.

Bake Sale  -     Delicious home-baked goods to enjoy here or take home available in the gym.  If you want to bring some delicious bake goods, please bring them to the school gym on August 14^th.

 

GIFT SHOP AND SHRINE BOOTHS

The Gift Shop is open throughout the day and offers a selection of religious literature, rosaries, etc.  On the Shrine grounds are booths that offer candles to be lit at the Grotto, Shrine Patron enrollment cards and Lourdes Water. Both Gift Shop & Shrine booths will be closed after the 7:00 p.m. Mass.

 

USED RELIGIOUS ITEMS FOR THE RUMMAGE SALE WILL BE IN THE LOUNGE    If you have any religious items that you would like to donate for August 15^th, please bring them to the school before Friday, August 8^th, 2008.

                              

FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE FROM ST. VERONICA’S THROUGHOUT THE DAY.  Buses will run every 20 minutes on the hour from St. Veronica’s parking lot.  See the Assumption Grotto web-site for a map to St. Veronica’s Church.

 

PILGRIMAGE BUSES

Please contact the Shrine Office on (313) 332-4432to make arrangements for bus parking.

 

+Important Information+   The Gift Shop’s new phone number is (313) 332-4432 – If you have a change of address please let us know so we can keep in touch..