The first letter is from Oregon.

Dear Father,

I am president and CEO of a small community bank. As you know, banks have undergone incredible deterioration causing many to fail or be under an intense watch by regulators. I recently completed a 54-day rosary novena for the success of our bank in these troubling times.

I’m now on my second 54-day rosary novena. In my petitions, I ask Mother Mary to gaze lovingly on our bank, that I make the correct decisions to keep our bank safe, that my decisions insure the safety of our depositors, shareholders, customers, employees, and their families.

Remarkable things have occurred—we continue to perform very well in light of our competitors who are failing or stumbling.

Our loan portfolio is holding up quite nicely. Those loan customers who are struggling have been able to come forward and make timely loan payments.

New customers come in daily and open accounts and the growth we are experiencing is unprecedented.

I believe the rest of 2009 and 2010 will be the most challenging years for banks. And I will continue my 54-day novena marathon. I couple this with making a daily holy hour, reciting the rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

Father, I am not a special man, but a sinner. Mary continues to intercede to keep our bank safe and the decisions I have made have borne remarkable fruit.

I also continue to wear the Miraculous Medal. I attribute all that has happened to our community bank to the blessing of our Mother and her Son. May Mother Mary continue to bless our work.