Dear Parish Bulletin Insert Reps: The month of December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The Holy Father’s Intentions for the Month of December: For a life of prayer: We pray that our personal relationship with Jesus Christ be nourished by the Word of God and a life of prayer. Feasts for December: Francis Xavier (12/3), Nicholas (12/6), Ambrose (12/7), Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (12/8), Juan Diego (12/9), Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12/12), Lucy (12/13), John of the Cross (12/14), Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (12/25), Feast of Stephen (12/26), Feast of the Holy Family, John the Evangelist (12/27), Feast of the Holy Innocents (12/28). “All of the feasts of the Church are beautiful… but Christmas has a tenderness, a childlike sweetness that captivates my entire heart.” ~ St. Padre Pio.
The month of December is filled with expectation and celebration. Preparation is the key word for the first 24 days of December. Everyone is getting ready for Christmas, so busy with the material preparations that we lose sight of the real reason for our activity. Christmas is a Christian feast – and we must reclaim it as such. In the same way that a family eagerly prepares for a baby, so in Advent should we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child. We should keep Advent as a season of waiting and longing, of conversion, and of hope, and keep our thoughts on the incredible love and humility of our God in taking on the flesh of the Virgin Mary. The best person we can turn to for help during Advent is Mary, Christ’s and our Mother. She awaited the day of His birth with more eagerness than any other human being. Her preparation was complete in every respect. Let’s crown our preparation and borrow something of Mary’s prayerfulness, purity, and whole-hearted submission to God’s will. ~ “May the Sweetest Child Jesus bring you all the graces, all the blessings, all the smiles that appeal to His infinite goodness…” ~ St. Padre Pio.
Apostolic Journey of the Holy Father to Cyprus and Greece (December 2-6, 2021). We pray for His safe journey during our Advent season.
May we respectfully request that you continue your active support of the monthly Padre Pio Prayer Group gatherings by inserting the following invitation in your parish bulletin: “Join our Padre Pio Prayer Group (PPPG-CK) each second Saturday (December 11, 2021) monthly for the 8:00 AM Mass, Rosary, Discussion, Adoration @ Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, OH 43623. Access: ‘pppg.org‘ for info. Contact Magdalena Skiles (419.356.4208) or email: ‘magdalena@magdalenaskiles.com‘.
Reminder: All beginner and experienced Rosary Makers are invited to join our new Padre Pio ‘Rosary Markers’ Team to provide complimentary rosaries to our local Safety Forces and Health Care Providers. Contact me ASAP to keep them in prayer for safety as they render their professional services to us all, and for them to join us in prayer of the Rosary, as requested by Our Lady of the Rosary @ Fatima.
Blessed Christmas.
In the spirit of St. Padre Pio,
