Accepting Pope Francis' invitaion, Bishop Bradley will celebrate a Mass of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Friday, March 25th on the Feast of the Annunciation. The Mass will be held at St. Augustine Cathedral. The Mass will be live streamed on the diocesan website and simulcast to the Diocesan Facebook and YouTube Channels. "This will be a powerful, world-wide gathering in prayer, pleading for peace in Ukraine, and throughout the world, and a conversion of hearts and countries to the ways of God," said Bishop Bradley.
Reverend Lawrence Farrell, 77, Pastor, St. Monica Parish, Kalamazoo, entered into eternal life on March 20, 2022. Fr. Farrell had been challenged with declining health in recent months. FUNERAL SERVICES FOR REV. LAWRENCE FARRELL Sunday, March 27, 2022: The Rite of Reception of the Body will be held following the Noon Mass at St. Monica Parish, 534 W. Kilgore, Kalamazoo. Fr. Farrell’s body will lie in state at St Monica’s until 6 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022: Reception and Visitation at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2022: Visitation at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial – St. Augustine Cathedral A private burial will be held immediately following the Mass at Mt Everest Cemetery.
In a Letter to the Faithful entitled, Protecting the Fundamental Freedom to Live, Bishop Paul J. Bradley is urging the Faithful to be informed on the current petition drive for a proposed amendment to the State Constitution that would secure the legal pathway to abortion. This effort is being conducted in anticipation that the Supreme Court may overturn the Roe v. Wade decision. In his letter the bishop also affirms and applauds the many efforts within the Church to walk alongside mothers-in-need and efforts to protect the unborn.
The Lent/Easter edition of the quarterly diocesan magazine offers resources and inspiration for your Lenten journey. Cover person, Sandra Rayas, works to build a youth ministry at her parish while juggling a full-time job and coursework for her pastoral degree. Check out the digital issue.