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Women for Faith and Family,
Third Annual Day of Recollection
The Family – Cradle of Faith
On Pope John Paul II’s encyclical Familiaris Consortio
The Christian Family in the Modern World
with Bishop Robert Hermann
Pencil Drawing Helen Hull Hitchcock
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Women for Faith & Family
Phone: 314 863 8385. E-mail [email protected]
Bishop Hermann Leads Day of Recollection on the Family
St. Louis – July 10, 2010 - “The Family – Cradle of Faith” was the theme of WFF’s third day of recollection conducted by Bishop Robert Hermann, auxiliary bishop of St. Louis. The event took place on Saturday, July 10, 2010, at the Cardinal Rigali Center in St Louis. Women from St. Louis and Illinois Metro-east participated.
Bishop Hermann presented three in-depth reflections on Pope John Paul II’s profound teaching on the role of the Christian family in Familiaris Consortio, his 1981 apostolic exhortation that followed the 1980 Synod on the Family. (The bishop’s presentations appear in this issue of Voices.)
Bishop Hermann began by focusing on serious challenges in today’s culture that threaten the very concept of the family — and the profound effect this is having on society today. He stressed the true nature of the Christian family as the “cradle of faith” — and how an authentic relationship between a man and a woman is essential to forming a family. A priority for the couple must be their commitment to maintaining the spiritual health of their relationship — and this requires constant prayerful effort and a spirit of forgiveness. Christian fathers and mothers have the responsibility to form a “domestic Church” where children first experience love, are formed in the faith, and where family members will be able transmit the truth of God’s love to others.
The day’s events included a Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary and choral recitation of morning and evening prayer (Lauds and Vespers) held in the chapel of St. Vincent de Paul in the Cardinal Rigali Center.
Bishop Hermann led the prayers and celebrated the Mass, with the assistance of Deacons Fred Haehnel and Paul Bast. Intercessions were led by Sister Stephanie Belgeri, FSGM, administrator of Mother of Good Counsel Home in St. Louis.
Bruce Ludwick, music director at St. Gabriel the Archangel, conducted the congregation in chanting the Divine Office (Lauds and Vespers) and the hymns and chants of the Mass. Chants for English texts of the Divine Office were composed by Father Samuel Weber, OSB, director of the St. Louis archdiocesan Institute for Sacred Music. Liturgies were held in the beautiful gothic-style chapel originally built for Kenrick Seminary.
In addition to Bishop Hermann, three priests heard confessions during the day: Father Robert Leibrecht, Father Edmond Fitzgibbon, and Father John Blomberg. Participants also recited the Rosary together, led by Cynthia Haehnel; and Bishop Hermann led the group in praying the Novena to the Holy Spirit.
The portions of Familiaris Consortio that were the main focus of Bishop Hermann’s reflections were included in the Pentecost 2010 issue of Voices. (for complete text click Familiaris Consortio)
Bishop Hermann’s talks were recorded and are available as a set of 3 CDs that may be purchased ($15 + $4.00 shipping) from St. Joseph Radio, phone 636-447-6000; e-mail Lucille Cortese: [email protected]; web: www.stjosephradio-stl.com.
Especially for our Day of Recollection, a limited edition of the original pencil drawing of the Holy Family shown above was reproduced as a frameable art print. The drawing, by Helen Hull Hitchcock, is reproduced on acid-free 9x12” linen-weave paper, suitable for framing.
Individually hand-signed prints of the drawing may be ordered from Women for Faith & Family at a special price of $12 each, or two for $20, postpaid.
To order, call: 314 863-8385, or e-mail: [email protected].
To order via PayPal see below.
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