In this issue, we reflect a bit on vocations. In Baptism God calls each of us to be his sons and daughters. As we mature, we are called to different vocations—marriage, the single life, religious life, or priesthood. I suspect that we tend to look on our adult vocation as our choice, yet it is God’s call, God’s choice. We merely respond one way or another to God’s call. Thus, the question isn’t so much “What do you want to be?” but “What does GOD want me to be?”
This summer, if you’re traveling through the Perryville area, drop by for a visit to our Lady's Shrine. Besides seeing our beautiful grounds and historic Shrine Church, you will be able to visit the Heritage and Visitor Center.
Your New Priest
Father Chrisandus Ambale, C.M., was ordained this May in Kenya. His first assignment will be to serve as associate pastor at Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Kamulu, near Nairobi. Father Chrisandus has written a letter of thanks for your financial support and prayers during his years of seminary formation.
Vincentian Family-Your Seminarians
We have three other young men preparing for the priesthood at Perboyre Mission House in Chicago. They are Jeremy Dixon, Toshio Sato, and Karl Ries. Please read their note of gratitude for the many Christmas greetings they received from Association members last year. These men are extremely grateful for your prayers and financial support. All of them are very enthusiastic in pursuing and discerning God’s call in their lives.
More on Vocations
We also have a short article about vocations by Father David Nations, C.M. Just last fall, Father Nations took on the duties of Vocation Director for the entire western half of the United States. Please keep him in your prayers and continue to pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Our Wonderful Members
Not a day goes by that I don’t wonder how to better recognize and thank our members for their dedication and generosity to the Association. Your loyalty over the years overwhelms me as we all work together to spread devotion to our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and aid the Vincentians in their important works of charity and evangelization.
A Member's Legacy
Did you know that more than half of all adult Americans die without a will? Cecilia (Luley) Colopy lived to be 104 years of age. On her 100th birthday, she told those attending her party she had done everything she wanted to do in her life. One thing Cecilia did do during her life was write her will. I invite you to read about the final gift Cecilia made to our Lady’s Association through her will.
Online Gift Shop
I have two lovely gifts to offer you. The first is a traditional Sculptured Wood Rosary. Our second gift is an exclusive Rose-Heart Miraculous Medal. Click here for a special offer if you wish to request both gifts. And we have many more resources at our online Gift Shop.
Monthly Giving Program
Please consider making a monthly gift to our Lady’s Association to help keep the Association’s administrative costs to a minimum. Our Monthly Giving Program makes it possible for you to add an automatic charge to your credit card, or a debit to your bank account on the 10th of each month. This allows more of your donation to go directly to the works of our Lady’s Association.
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