Dear Brothers and Sisters, Our Provincial, Fr. Christopher, sent us this joyful news – Bl. Margaret of Castello is scheduled to be canonized!
As you know, Blessed Margaret is one of our well known beloved Saints. She shows the world that every life is precious and has great value in the eyes of God. There is no disability, disfigurement or disease that prevents someone from becoming a Saint. Her example convicts, and encourages, us at the same time. Let’s continue to pray for the canonization proceedings. May our new “Saint to Be” speak loudly from heaven on behalf of the unborn and unwanted. We look forward to celebrating this great event with our Dominican family, especially in our Province and with the Bl. Margaret of Castello chapter! God bless you all! Denise
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I was recently asked by fr. Chris Eggleton, OP, Socius of the Master of the Order to our region, to share the joyful news that the cause for the canonization of Blessed Margherita di Citta’ di Castello, OP, (1287 – 1320) is in its final stage of approvals. From the Shrine in Ohio: The History of Little Margaret of Castello – Blessed ‘Little’ Margaret of Castello
The History of Little Margaret of Castello – Blessed ‘Little’ Margaret of Castello Blessed Margaret of Castello was born into a well-to-do family near Florence, Italy in 1287. To the great distress of her parents, upon her birth they discovered that she suffered from a variety of severe physical ailments. www.littlemargaret.org
I was officially informed that the canonization would take place at Mass in the City of Castello sometime in September this year. I have unofficially been informed that final approval has been given, and that the date has been selected: September 19, 2021. I will confirm that for you as soon as I can. Blessed Margaret of Castello, OP, pray for us!
Please see the article written by our Holy Rosary Chapter member, Doyen Nguyen:
From: Doyen Nguyen Date: Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 7:35 PM Subject: Link to my article in Homiletic Pastoral Review + an appeal To:
Dear Friends in Christ,
Below is the link to the article which my junior colleague (= Joseph the co-author) asked me to write for a non-academic audience. It was one of the most difficult tasks I had to do, as I had to squeeze as much information as possible within a space of 4,000 words — “to pack the kitchen sink in a carry-on luggage,” as it were. I purposely left several technical words here and there in the text so that the non-academic audience becomes familiarized with the medical and philosophical notions being used in the discourse on brain death.
FYI: 1. As some of you may already know, there is a strong push from the other side (which enjoys a position of strength, being backed up by the state, and yes, unfortunately, also by a good number of people in the Church) to get the legal authority to change the UDDA [Uniform Determination of Death Act]. This article was specifically written so as to alert and warn the general public, especially the grassroots pro-life movements, about this pending disastrous evil.
In other words, I am once again calling you folks — namely, those of you who are involved in grassroots pro-life movements, to spread the word, and to act proactively to somehow ward off this pending disastrous evil. As a retired academician, my tools are very much limited, and I am “passing the torch” to you.
2. HPR allows us to retain the copyright of our article so that it can be published elsewhere (e.g., on your websites), provided that there is an acknowledgment stating that the article originally appeared in Homiletic Pastoral Review. (Here is the original text written by the HPR Editor in this regard: You retain copyright, in case you would like to reissue any of your essays later elsewhere. We simply ask that you acknowledge its original appearance in HPR). So if any of you, or any people you know, would like to have the article published on your websites, please send me an email and let me know.
To reiterate, my main purpose for this article is to get as many people to know about the truth regarding BD, and more importantly, to know how to argue (just the most salient points) against pro-BD Catholics (e.g., the people at the National Catholic Bioethics Center, etc.) — both medically and philosophically, using the “nuts and bolts” that I provide in the article.
NEXT UP: Angels and Us Lent alerts us to spiritual battle all around us. In these 40 days, we strive to ward off temptation while calling upon the forces of the heavenly host to light, guard, rule, and guide us. Fr. Michael Hurley, O.P. will open our eyes to appreciate the world of angels and demons of which we are a part. Beginning with the creation and fall of the angels, we will discover both the nature of these spiritual persons and better understand how we might interact with them on our journey towards salvation. Thursday, Mar. 18th at 5:30 pm Presented by Fr. Michael Hurley OP, DSPT Alumnus and Pastor of St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco.
Can I ask you for your help? It’s something small: would you forward this email to your friends, and encourage them to sign up for Aquinas 101? (It’s completely free and will stay that way.)
By signing up, they’ll learn from scientists, philosophers, and theologians about the harmony of truth — in order to dispel the illusion of conflict between science and faith.
The potential impact of these videos is enormous. They tackle interesting (and sometimes difficult!) questions. It’s a great way to meet the challenges to the faith from contemporary skeptics.
These videos provide clear, reasonable responses that affirm the importance of both science and faith. But that won’t matter if they don’t have an audience.
That’s why your help is so important! Would you help me spread the word by sharing this email? You might even share the trailer on social media.
Because we want our subscribers to have every possible spiritual benefit, I offered Mass for you yesterday (and for all the Aquinas 101: Science and Faith subscribers) in our St. Thomas Aquinas chapel. You can find the Mass card here.
In Christ, Fr. Dominic Legge, O.P.
Receive the latest video in your email inbox each Tuesday, plus readings and podcasts. The first video comes out next week! NB:If you are enrolled in Aquinas 101, you are already pre-enrolled in Aquinas 101: Science & Faith.
Dear Brothers & Sisters, This preached online novena is a beautiful way for us to join with the friars in prayer to St. Joseph during this year dedicated to him. Mark your calendars, the novena begins on March 10th. Here is the link opwest.org/stjosephnovena
God bless you, Cecelia
——– Forwarded Message ——–
Subject:
Novena of St. Joseph (March 10-18) and Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19)
During this Year of St. Joseph, the Province’s MARCOM Team is putting together a preached Novena to St. Joseph that will be broadcast online. We have a full team of preachers from five different Dominican communities, each one preaching on a different title from the Litany of St. Joseph:
Novena to St. Joseph
Mar 10) Husband of the Mother of God & Diligent protector of Christ: Fr. Brian Mullady
Mar 11) Most Chaste: Fr. Thomas Aquinas Pickett
Mar 12) Most Valiant: Rev. Br. John Winkowitsch
Mar 13) Most Obedient: Fr. James Junipero Moore
Mar 14) Model of Workers: Fr. Michael Sweeney
Mar 15) Pillar of Families: Fr. Michael Hurley
Mar 16) Patron of the Dying: Fr. Anthony Rosevear
Mar 17) Terror of Demons: Fr. Peter Junipero Hannah
Mar 18) Protector of Holy Church: Fr. John Marie Bingham
Solemnity of St. Joseph:
Mar 19) Fr. Christopher Fadok will reflect on the readings for the Solemnity.
Please consider including a blurb about this preached online novena in your bulletin and/or pulpit announcements, directing interested parishioners and students to opwest.org/stjosephnovena. I have attached a graphic for use in the bulletin, social media platforms, and website of your ministry.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support.
In Christ and St. Joseph,
fr. Stephen Maria, op
— fr. Stephen Maria LOPEZ, O.P. Master of Students | Provincial Syndic/Treasurer Dominican Friars | Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus opwest.org<http://opwest.org/> | Western Dominican Vocations <https://www.facebook.com/opwestvocations> House of Studies: Priory of St. Albert the Great | 5890 Birch Court, Oakland, CA 94618 | 510.596.1800 Provincial Office: 5877 Birch Court, Oakland, CA 94618 | 510.658.8722
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Fr. Antoninus Wall. Fr. Wall passed away last night [March 2] at St. Albert’s. He was 96 years old.
Many of you know Father from our LPC meetings. He was always there to say hello, hear our confessions and share his wisdom. Father also had a ministry at Christmas of going to the nearby Mall and just sitting. He would talk to whoever passed by and hear their confession. Below is an article from the Catholic Sentinel on the great work he did.
Fr. Wall is one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. We will miss him dearly.
Please pray a Rosary, Divine Mercy chaplet or Office for the Dead, for Father. I’m sure he will repay you from heaven.
Dear Dominican Family, We of the St. Albert’s Chapter hope that your Lent has already been full of many blessings!
Our chapter would like to invite you to our Zoom Lenten Day of ReflectionSaint Joseph: The Virtues of St. Joseph and the Providence of GodSunday, March 13, 2021, from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM with Br. Andrew Thomas Kang, O.P.
Please feel free to post the flyer and invite any who may be interested. Also, please register. Once registered we will send you the Zoom link for the event. Click Here to register.
May St. Catherine and St. Dominic bless you today and always,
Katie Osenga, O.P. Saint Albert’s Chapter, treasurer
On February 20 at the 8 am mass we gathered as a chapter, and after mass prayed the Office of the Dead for the deceased parents of the Order of Preachers.
We will also gather on Saturday February 27, 2021, for mass at 8 am followed by prayer of the Office of the Dead for John DeZell. His funeral was Tuesday the 23rd, and was well attended by our Holy Rosary Chapter, the Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary and the Hiberian Society. We led the the Rosary before the funeral mass.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, As many of you know, our Holy Father will be visiting Iraq this coming weekend, March 5-8. Although there are concerns regarding the virus and terrorism, Pope Francis has confirmed his plans in an effort to show pastoral care to Christians in that region. Among them, are our Dominican brothers and sisters that have experienced terrible sufferings and displacement since the 2014 attacks from Isis. In support of our Pope, several Dominican communities throughout the world have pledged to pray for him throughout the duration of his trip. Each participating community has been assigned a specific day to offer prayers. We, of course, agreed to participate and our assigned day is Friday, the 5th. Please offer prayers and sacrifices for the safety and success of Pope Francis’ trip, throughout that day. Also, please keep our Dominican brethren, in your prayers as well. May Our Lord use this trip – and our prayers – for a renewal of the faith in that region.
Thank you for your support. May God bless and protect you, Denise P.S. Please forward this to your chapter members so they can participate
Subject: Fwd: A Modern Day Miracle Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2021 21:42:14 +0000 (UTC) From: dj.harvey@verizon.net Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope you’re all doing well and having a holy start to Lent. Studying the lives of the Saints is always a great practice, especially during Lent. On Saturday, the 27th, the St. Dominic’s chapter in San Francisco is hosting a Zoom presentation with guest speaker Kevin Becker. Many of you know Kevin from our 2016 LPC Jubilee. He is a wonderful young man who experienced a miraculous healing through the intercession of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati – a third order Dominican. Kevin has also spoken with a few of our chapters throughout the province, inspiring us with his incredible testimony. Kevin’s story is one of hope that continues to bear fruit to this day. Details on the event are in the attached flyer.
Please participate in the event, if you can, and invite your chapter members and friends.
Stand firm in the faith, high in hope and childlike in trust. May God continue to bless and protect you,
Denise
Subject: Fwd: Hope as an Emotion Versus Hope as a Virtue by Fr. Thomas Aquinas Pickett, OP Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2021 19:18:56 +0000 (UTC) From: dj.harvey@verizon.net Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you had a blessed Ash Wednesday, and a good beginning to Lent.
Below is a link to a talk, tonight with Fr. Thomas Aquinas Pickett, OP, on the virtue of Hope. We always need our hope to be strong, but it is especially true today. Please send this to your chapter members so they can participate as well.
May your hope be high, your faith be strong and your charity Divine,
I hope you are all doing well during these challenging times. May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for us all in a special way today.
Just a couple of items to share with you:
First, our Treasurer, Kathy, recently sent out the annual request for assessments. Please remember that those who are prayer members do not have to pay assessments, even if they just moved to prayer status. Also exempt are those who are not financially able to contribute. This has always been the policy, but is now even more the case. So, if you typically pay 15 assessments, and this year pay 5 or 7, that’s fine. And, if your chapter can’t pay any, that’s fine too. We are only asking those who are active – and able – to contribute.
The reason for asking those active and able to contribute this year is that our retreat center, for the foreseeable future, is Vallombrosa, which is almost double the cost of St. Albert’s. This was approved by the Reps who attended our November 7 LPC Zoom meeting. That meeting served as our 2020 LPC, since we were not able to meet in person. We also anticipate reimbursing everyone for airfares- and covering the Covid testing cost (required to fly).
Since cases have gone up since early November, we will be monitoring the situation. We are currently booked for May 28-30/31. If necessary, we will postpone to next fall. There is no penalty to us for postponing. Our main concern is the safety of our members. We will keep you posted.
Second, as you know, Lent begins next week. Our world and Church needs your prayers and sacrifices. Please be generous with them. Prayer is powerful and praying as a community is even more powerful. Together let’s commit to praying the “Jesus Prayer” every day:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me"
Please also spend time in Adoration through livestream. There is a link on our website. Abundance of grace is given during Adoration.
Finally, if you know of any member that is seriously ill, or severely impacted financially, please contact me. We will have Masses said, and look into other ways to help.
Stay in touch, stay well and stay holy,
In the love of Christ, and the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, Denise
PS; Please share this email with your chapter members.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Happy New Year! May the Mother of God protect and guide you, as She did Her only Son, throughout this year. You are all in my daily prayers. May you be blessed with a Holy and healthy 2021. Denise
PS, Below is a message from our Provincial, Fr. Fadok:
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Happy New Year
Grace and peace to you! Through the intercession of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, may you be abundantly blessed in this New Year of Our Lord 2021. As we celebrate Mary, Mother of God, we recall in the Gospel today that the child in her arms was “named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb” (Lk 2:16-21). Our Western Dominican Province is named the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. So it’s with particular joy that, in the Most Holy Name of Mary’s Son, Jesus, I ask Our Blessed Mother to pray for you and the Dominican friars as you receive this message. May all of us together be strengthened in faith, hope, and love, preaching the Gospel for the salvation of souls. As we have been during all of 2020, we Dominicans will continue to pray for you and your loved ones throughout 2021.
Sincerely in Christ and St. Dominic, Very Rev. Christopher Fadok, O.P.
NEXT UP: Angels and Us 
