The Rectors Message
Gifting our Support on All Saints Day
As
we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, we remember the saint who is
nearest and dearest to our heart, St. Philomena. As baptized members of
the Body of Christ, we belong to the family of saints and know in a
special way that St. Philomena is interceding for us and our families
until we are able to be united with Jesus and all of the saints in Our
Lord’s Kingdom. Today, in memory of St. Philomena, we ask each devotee to consider making a donation, whatever amount possible, to
help the International Shrine of St. Philomena with its pressing
financial needs. The economic downturn has hit the Sanctuary especially
hard with a lack of cash flow to meet critical operating expenses, maintenance repairs and to fund important projects to promote devotion to St. Philomena.
Your donation will go directly to help support the following needs:
· Repair
the dome of the Sanctuary, the earthly home of St. Philomena. During
the winter months, we anticipate a lot of rain and the dome is in great
need of repair.
· Restoration of the pilgrim center and additional rooms to accommodate pilgrims at the Sanctuary
· Handicap accessible lift for visitors who are unable to climb the stairs of the Sanctuary
· Repair of the Sanctuary’s museum exhibit which has sustained damage due to severe humidity
· Printing expenses for my book on St. Philomena to be made available in English
A USA tax-deductible donation can be made,
on our new approved web site, electronically using Paypal, Visa,
MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or electronic bank transfer at: http://www.philomena-usa.com or via mail to:
Archconfraternity of St. Philomena
Attn: Sanctuary Restoration Fund
1970 Bridle Ridge Trace
Roswell, GA 30075-2162
USA
All other donations can be made directly via the Sanctuary's English web site www.philomena.us by choosing the donation button.
Thank
you for your generosity that is so needed at this time to further the
legacy of St. Philomena and to ensure the sustainability of her
International Shrine. We are forever grateful for our saint’s
intercessory help. As Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the lives of the
saints, we remember the “surplus of love, of perseverance in suffering,
of honor and truth” that have captured our hearts and offer
thanksgiving for the wondrous example of St. Philomena’s life of purity
and sacrifice. We join together to acknowledge all of the saints who
laid down their lives for the love of Christ and His Kingdom, and we
joyfully wait for the day that we too will hear Our Lord’s words:“Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
Assuring you of my prayers and blessings for you and your loved ones,
Monsignor Giovanni Braschi
