A NEW VENTURE FOR OUR LADY – A BIG SUCCESS!!!
The day was November 20, 1983, the Feast of Christ the King, an important day to the auxiliary because it marked the first event to be held in support of the Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate. The afternoon event began at St. Cletus Church in Warren, Michigan, with approximately 600 people attending a concelebrated Mass, Fr. David Przedwiecki, OFM, being the main celebrant. A short procession followed with the lovely Blue Army's Lady of Fatima Statue leading the way to St. Cletus Hall where Our Lady was given the place of honor in the middle of the speaker's dais. The four young men who carried the statue are interested in joining the new community. Our auxiliary surprised Fr. David with a hand-made wooden crèche and attached cross topped with a crown which was placed at Our Lady's feet. The crib, cross and crown duplicated the logo (symbol) of the new community. The beautiful gold crown with the Sacred Heart emblem upon it was hand crafted by the cloistered Carmelite nuns in Detroit.
After a large crowd of almost 500 people were seated with mouth-watering refreshments, Fr. David was called upon to talk about the new venture. He was greeted with a standing ovation and his talk was interrupted numerous times enthusiastic applause. Fr. David explained the plans for the Franciscan Third Order community of young men, the Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate for which he is the spiritual director, and a possible seminary program for them in New Mexico. He quoted a passage from Acts 5, which says: “If this plan or work is on men, it will come to naught; but, if it is of God, nothing can overthrow it.”
People were very interested and supportive of the new community as demonstrated by the questions asked and comments made during the question and answer period. A collection was taken up and the large group responded overwhelmingly with generous donations and pledges. Also, so many baked goods were donated for the event that a bake sale was held at the closing which raised an additional $150.00, reminding us the parable of the loaves and fishes. As a fitting tribute to our Blessed Mother, who we feel is moving Fr. David in the venture and has inspired for formation of our auxiliary, the Rosary was recited at the end of this most enjoyable afternoon. To all those who helped in any way, the auxiliary gratefully expresses it's deepest thanks.
AN INTERVIEW WITH FATHER DAVID
REGARDING HIS TRIP TO NEW MEXICO
Many of you know that Father David went to Gallup, New Mexico to meet with Bishop Jerome J. Hastrich regarding locating the Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate community in his diocese. We spoke with Father about that trip and we would like to have you know how it went.
Father David met with Bishop Hastrich on the evening of November 21, 1983 and discussed with him the arrangements for establishing our group under his authority. “The bishop was very enthusiastic about having us come down,” said Father David; “He offered us three possibilities on where we could reside: 1) an unused Catholic high school building; 2) a retreat center outside of Gallup; 3) a portion of the diocesan seminary, Christo Rey.”
He was invited by the bishop of come back in July, 1984 to investigate further the establishment of a monastery there. The bishop also wants Father David to work with his own diocesan seminarians.
After Father David's visit with Bishop Hastrich was completed, he traveled to El Paso, Texas for a Thanksgiving holiday with friends before returning to Detroit. While in El Paso, he mat many people who were enthusiastic about the new venture that they would like to establish an OFMI Auxiliary Chapter there. In fact, they would like him to build a monastery there in the future. One person had set aside seven (7) acres of land on which to build. A contractor had already volunteered his time and services to help build a monastery/seminary in New Mexico as well as a future monastery in El Paso and obtain material at cost.
THE FRIARY SUPPORT
On January 15, 1984 five young men of the new Third Order community, the Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate, assembled at the Loreto House to begin their orientation program at their new “Saint Maximilian Kolbe”. The Auxiliary officers were there to welcome them and provide them supper – their last meal prepared by others since all meals at the Friary are to be prepared by the young men. All the expenses of the Friary are absorbed by the Auxiliary. The immediate need for book shelves, religious books, stationary and bed-covers were forthcoming from benefactors in a timely manner – the Lord is providing for the needs of the “New Venture” through many individuals. At this time, there are six men at the Friary and there may be twelve young men when the new community relocates to Gallup, New Mexico in July.
INAUGURATION DAY FOR OFMI COMMUNITY
History was made on January 15, 1984 when six candidates banded together to form a new Third Order community, the Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate, under the spiritual direction of Father David Przedwiecki, OFM. Gathering at the House of Loreto in Indian Village (their temporary friary), the candidates were welcomed by Father David, by members of the OFMI Auxiliary, by the Sisters of the House of Loreto and by the Board of Directors of the House of Loreto.
The candidates included Stephen Mudd from Louisville, Kentucky; Edward Gajewski fro Detroit, Michigan; John Morse from Royal Oak, Michigan; Vincent Cusumano from Grosse Point Park, Michigan; and John Kirsch from Harbor Beach, Michigan.
For the “birthday” of the Community, the O.F.M.I. Auxiliary served a feast-day meal, complete with a decorated cake. Guests of special honor were some family members of the candidates.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was held in the chapel were the O.F.M.I. candidates and guests joined in prayer as a Community for the first time. Lastly, Father David showed slides of New Mexico since the community plans to move to the diocese of Bishop Hastrich in the summer.
THE PRAYER PROGRAM
Our Heavenly Mother has taught us through all her apparitions to pray – as individuals, as family, as apostolate groups, and as an entire Parish – for priests and for our conversion and the conversion of all nations, that peace may reign on earth. An important apostolate service of the Auxiliary members of Our Lady's “New Venture” - the Franciscan Friars of Mary Immaculate (O.F.M.I.) – is to participate in the united daily offerings of prayers made by the Auxiliary and O.F.M.I. Community to Our Lady. The Auxiliary has prepared a prayer program which all members are asked to consider adding to their present prayer offerings. Mother Mary has taught that we make our prayers on a consistent basis. In essence, we each promise Our Lady to make these prayers regularly as a sacrifice and a discipline. This obtains more blessing from Our Lord through Our Lady's intercession than any other way.
In keeping with this approach, we are asking all our Auxiliary members to consider making this commitment to participate in our United Prayer Apostolate and when this commitment is made to notify us that you have made your commitment to Our Lady. Enclosed is a copy of our prayer program for you to use. If you need additional copies for family or friends who also wish to participate, let us know.
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COME ONE – COME ALL!! MARK THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDAR!
TRUCK SHOWER – BON VOYAGE PARTY
On June 10, 1984, the O.F.M.I. Auxiliary is hosting a truck shower and bon voyage party for the O.F.M.I. Community, who will be moving to Gallup, New Mexico in June. The Community is in need of many items to get started in New Mexico. They will need basic household items such as furniture, appliances, all kitchen utensils (large, family sizes appreciated) and garden and building tools. In addition, they will need all items to furnish a chapel and a monastery library. Please be sure the items are in working condition, clean and neatly packed for transport. There will be a truck at the hall from noon until 6 p.m. Cash donations will also be accepted (at the reception table) to finance the trip.
The Auxiliary has asked Father David Przedwiecki, OFM, the community's Spiritual Director, to say the mass and speak to us about this exiting new venture for Our Lady.
2:30 p.m. Sunday Mass with Homily
3:30 p.m. Father David Report, in Hall
4:00 p.m. Picnic-Type Supper
(baked ham and trimmings)
5:30 p.m. Closing and Benediction
PLACE: The Red Fawn
Allen Park, Michigan
(At Southfield and Allen Roads,
between I-94 and I-75 Expressways)
We expect that the food will be wonderful, as it was for our event on November 20, thanks to so many of you. If you can donate food, please contact the planning committee:
Maxine: 535-9764
If you cannot attend but would like to donate some items, please call the Friary at 822-2791. You may also call to deliver your items directly to the Friary at a time more convenient to you. A receipt for all items will be furnished you for tax credit.
IN MEMORY OF PAULA BLENDL
We were saddened to hear of the death of Paula Blendl, who was a member of our auxiliary. She was buried on May 3, and Father David will be offering some Masses for her. Her blithe spirit and her best for Our Lady's “New Venture” will be missed by all. We pray that she is enjoying happiness with our Father in heaven. |