From the Bishop
Love, learn from
Mary this May
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A Message from
BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. “In danger, in anguish, in uncertainty,” St. Bernard of Clairvaux (10901153) wrote, “Think of Mary, call on Mary. May she never be far from your lips, from your heart; and, thus, you will be able to obtain the help of her prayer, never forget the example of her life. If you follow her, you cannot go astray; if you pray to her, you cannot despair; if you think of her, you cannot be mistaken. If she sustains you, you cannot fall; if she protects you, you have nothing to fear; if she guides you, do not tire; if she is propitious to you, you will reach the goal…” (Hom. II super “Missus est,” 17: PL 183, 70-71). In more recent times, Pope St. Paul VI encouraged our Marian devotion,
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ove for Mary, the Blessed Mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, is as natural to the Catholic as love for one’s own mother. Mary is, after all, the Mother of the Lord, and he is, at once, our Savior and our Brother. “We never give more honor to Jesus than when we give honor to his Mother and we honor her simply and solely to honor him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek, Jesus her Son (St. Louis Marie de Montfort, 16731716).” We worship the Lord Jesus as God. We love Mary as his mother. writing: “Mary remains ever the path that leads to Christ. Every encounter with her can only result in an encounter with Christ himself.” This is so natural an experience because it is so true. In his 1979 homily in Washington, D.C., Pope St. John Paul II preached, “From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God. … I therefore exhort you in Christ Jesus, to continue to look to Mary as the model of the Church, as the best example of the discipleship of Christ. Learn from her to be always faithful, to trust that God’s word to you will be fulfilled and that nothing is impossible with God. Turn to Mary frequently in your prayer, ‘for never was it known that anyone who fled to her protection, implored her help or sought her intercession was left unaided’
(Homily, Oct. 6, 1979).” Almost 30 years later, while addressing the crowds in St. Peter’s Square on the Feast of the Visitation, May 31, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI remarked, “Going beyond the surface, Mary ‘sees’ the work of God in history with the eyes of faith. That is why she is ‘blessed’: because she believed.”
“When the Church looks for Jesus, she always knocks at the Mother’s door ...” In a July 24, 2013 homily, Pope Francis reflected, “When the Church looks for Jesus, she always knocks at the Mother’s door and asks, ‘show us Jesus.’ It is from Mary that the Church Continued on 6
May 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 5
Bishop’s Scrapbook
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., visited with more than a dozen parish and school groups in the last month. Here are a few special moments. Be sure to look for full coverage inside.
Members of the Catholic Filipino community pose for a selfie April 30 with Bishop O’Connell after he celebrated Mass in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, marking 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. Story begins page 32. Mike Ehrmann photo
t Father Eugene Savarimuthu stands with Bishop O’Connell before the celebration of the Chrism Mass April 11 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. A diocesan priest and military reserve chaplain, Father Savarimuthu celebrated his 25th anniversary of priesthood that same day. Story begins page 34. Mike Ehrmann photo
Blessed Mother’s love is unconditional Continued from 5
learns true discipleship. That is why the Church always goes out on mission in the footsteps of Mary.” Christianity has loved Mary the Mother of God since the Lord Jesus’ final moments on the Cross when he said to John the Beloved Disciple, “‘Behold your Mother.’ From that hour onward, the disciple took her into his care ( John 19: 27).” And so, he did. And so have we. Mary was God’s most precious, most perfect gift to Jesus, and Jesus’ most precious, most perfect gift to the Church. Since the 13th century, the entire month of May has been set aside by the Church for loving devotion to Mary the Mother of God – and for good reason. The darkness of winter has passed, beautiful flowers are in bloom, the Easter Season is well underway and new life is all around us. What better time could there be for loving and honoring the one who was given to us because she has given us her Son – the Light of the World, 6 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
the Source of all Beauty and Goodness and Truth, the Newness and Fullness of Life. Mary is the Mother of God and, as the Second Vatican Council proclaimed, she is also the “Mother of the Church.” A mother’s love is unconditional and total. It is only natural, then, that we return such love with true devotion. “If you put all the love of all mothers into one heart, it still would not equal the love of the heart of Mary for her children (St. Louis Marie Montfort).” And so, we call upon her from the deepest parts of our being in all the moments of our lives, especially now throughout challenging times the world faces. “Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now (St. Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997).” And, “If you are in danger, if your hearts are confused, turn to Mary. She is our comfort, our help. Turn towards her and you will be saved (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, 1850-1917).” The Hail Mary, the Rosary, devotion
May 2022
to the Miraculous Medal, the Hail Holy Queen and Marian antiphons, the Magnificat, the Regina Caeli and Angelus prayers, the brown and green scapulars – these are just some of the prayers to Our Blessed Mother, drawn from the rich treasury of the Catholic Church’s long tradition, seeking her intercession and her help. I encourage the clergy and faithful of the Diocese to take advantage of the month of May in prayer each day, especially the Rosary. And, of course, we cannot forget St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s prayer, “The Memorare:” Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
In Focus
Stained glass image of the Queenship of Mary in St. Mary Church, Bordentown. File photo
The Modonna Advocata icon, Dominican Church of Santa Maria del Rosario, Monte Mario, Rome. CNA/Paul Badde photo
Befitting the Queen of Heaven Mary’s titles are as countless as the stars
Statue of St. Mary, Seat of Wisdom in St. Mary Church, Colts Neck. File photo
BY LOIS ROGERS Correspondent
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s the month of May unfolds, the centuries-old custom of celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary is underway globally and locally. This Marian month is always part of the Easter season’s 50 days marking the Resurrection of the Lord and a time of awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Catholic scholars write that as such, the cascade of love and devotion poured out to the Mother of God fits in well with those liturgical celebrations. Mary’s identity as the Mother of God conferred on her a singular place of honor and preference among the Communion of Saints, theologians note. The titles flowing from the recognition began evolving in the earliest days of the
Church and accumulated over the centuries as Marian devotion increased. These many faces of Mary are commemorated and, in some cases, enshrined in thousands of Catholic churches and cathedrals across the world, including in the United States with such spiritual sites as the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. Locally, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Trenton is the namesake of our Holy Mother – St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral – and dozens of parishes and churches have embraced the Mother of Jesus as their patroness. MARY’S HOUSE Often referred to as “Mary’s House,” the Basilica in Washington is the largest Catholic church in North America and one of the largest in the world. Continued on 9
May 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7
In Focus
‘We Fly unto Thee’ Blessed Mother represents a beacon of hope for Christians throughout history BY EMMALEE ITALIA Contributing Editor
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urning to a pillar of strength when facing challenges and crises has been humanity’s tendency throughout history. Christians recognize the need to draw upon the wisdom and help of our Creator when facing insurmountable tasks, persecution, plague and disaster. How, then, does the Blessed Virgin Mary figure into our pleas, when we can just as easily implore the Father or Jesus, his Son, directly? What special grace does Mary possess that the faithful should seek her guidance and intercession? WHO MARY IS AND IS NOT The Church holds that Mary is not only the mother of Jesus, but is also our spiritual mother, given to us by Christ himself from the Cross when he told the beloved disciple John, “Behold your mother” ( Jn 26-27). “We are not orphans, we have a mother in heaven,” said Pope Francis in his May 10, 2017, audience as he was preparing to visit Fatima, Portugal, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions there. “In difficult moments, may Mary, the mother that Jesus has given to all, always guide our steps,” the Pope prayed. Mary’s role as mother is quietly shown at the Wedding Feast of Cana, during which Mary directs the wine stewards to “do whatever he tells you,” in spite of Jesus’ protest that “my hour has not yet come” ( Jn 2:1-11). Mary does not argue with Jesus, but directs the stewards to be obedient, demonstrating faith that Jesus will respond – and modeling for us how to be confident that our prayers will be heard. Catholic devotees of Marian prayer understand
that Mary is not the object of worship, but, rather, her mediation directs the faithful toward Christ her Son. Explained doctrinally at the Council of Ephesus, 431 A.D., Mary as Theotokos, Greek for “God-bearer or “mother of God,” assumes a title and position of both honor and mediator. It is through her cooperation that the hope of the world was born. MOTHER OF HOPE In June 2020, as the world was reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, Pope Francis asked for new titles of Mary to be added to the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto. One of those titles was “Mother of Hope.” Throughout Church history Catholics have confirmed that hope in the Blessed Mother’s intercession by large-scale consecrations and prayers seeking her assistance during despairing times. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, Pope Francis consecrated all of humanity to Mary on May 1, 2020. Most recently, on March 25, with the advent of the current war in Ukraine following a Russian invasion in February, the Holy Father consecrated Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the feast of the Annunciation. This was done in tandem by bishops and priests around the world, including by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in the Trenton Diocese. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych, head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, said via Zoom March 29, “This consecration to our Mother, who crushed the head of the ancient dragon, this strong presence of the Mother of God among us, is very important for us.” He led a simultaneous consecration at the Cathedral of the Mother of God in Zarvanytsia – a pilgrimage site in western Ukraine that, according to local tradition, derived its name from the miraculous icon of the Mother of God in 1240. Consecration, an act which sets aside a person or nation for a
Pope Francis uses incense as he venerates the original statue of Our Lady of Fatima during a Mass at which he consecrated the world to Mary, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican in this Oct. 13, 2013, file photo. The Pope invited the bishops of the world to join him in “consecrating and entrusting” Russia and Ukraine to Mary March 25. CNS photo/Paul Haring
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May 2022
A rose by any other name Continued from 7
Home to more than 80 chapels and oratories honoring the Mother of God and representing people from every corner of the globe, the Basilica mirrors the ethnic and cultural diversity of the United States and the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. Built by generations of American Catholics to honor the patroness of the nation under her title of the Immaculate Conception, the Basilica is also affectionately referred to as America’s Catholic Church, according to the website. The image of Our Lady of Kibeho reflects the apparitions of the Blessed Mother appearing to three children in Kibeheo, Rwanda, between 1981 and 1989. Our Lady of Kibeho is the only Marian apparition site approved by the Catholic Church on the African continent. Kibeho-Sanctuary.com image
sacred purpose, is an accepted devotional practice of the Catholic Church, expressing great love and trust in God. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments explains consecration to Mary as “a conscious recognition of the singular role of Mary in the Mystery of Christ and of the Church, of the universal and exemplary importance of her witness to the Gospel, of trust in her intercession …” A MOTHER FOR TROUBLED TIMES Often people seeking Mary’s help – even having visions of her – are during times of fear, loss and violence. Her apparitions coincide with pivotal times of strife, frequently including warnings and pleas for a return to prayer. The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda seemed to be foreshadowed by the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Kibeho College in 1981. The teens who witnessed the apparitions saw apocalyptic visions of violence, saying that the Blessed Mother asked everyone for prayer, penance and fasting to prevent Continued on 24
“... In God’s good time ... the Diocese will have a cathedral and Our Lady in her church.” A place of worship, pilgrimage, evangelization and reconciliation, the Basilica offers faithful the chance to pray among universally honored representations of the Blessed Mother situated throughout the vast structure. Among the faithful tributes to the Mother of Jesus are those that depict her as African, Austrian, Chinese, Cuban, Czech, Filipino, French, German, Guamanian, Hungarian, Indian, Irish, Italian, Korean, Latin American, Lebanese, Maltese, Polish, Slovakian, Slovenian and Vietnamese. Each is rendered with a sensitive religious and artistic touch, capturing the devotion and love that generations have expressed for the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the Lithuanian Chapel, for instance, the statue of Mary tenderly holding the Baby Jesus is framed by a decorative border of pinecones in keeping with her title of Our Lady of the Woods. The treasured icon representing this theme in Lithuania is often referred to as the Baltic nation’s greatest treasure. The lovely oratory of Our Lady of Vailankanni of India in the Crypt Level of the Basilica shines with brilliant blue
tile. Known as Our Lady of Good Health, her statue is a replica of the original in the shrine in India. Visitors learn that it was crowned and consecrated in Vailankanni before being brought to the Basilica. The Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, is designed with curving walls to replicate the location of the apparition in Guadalupe. Glorious mosaic figures to the left and right represent the people of North, Central and South Americas carrying lit candles in procession to the Virgin Mary. PATRONESS OF TRENTON St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral was the spiritual home to generations of Catholics even before there was a Diocese of Trenton. The property, which spans a city block or more in the state capital, was purchased in 1865 and the then St. Mary Church was dedicated in 1871. The first Bishop of the Trenton Diocese, Michael O’Farrell, chose the church as the diocesan cathedral. After the disastrous fatal fire that destroyed it on March 14, 1956, Bishop George W. Ahr was quoted as saying, “Of this we can be sure: in God’s good time, and we hope soon, the Diocese will have a cathedral and Our Lady her church.” That promise was kept three years to the day. Neighboring the Trenton Diocese are major shrines honoring the Virgin Mary, including the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa – known as the American Czestchowa – in Doylestown, Pa., which houses a reproduction of the Black Madonna icon to which many miracles are attributed. Papal recognition of the miraculous image was made by Pope Clement XI in 1717. The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Washington Township (Warren County) hosts more than 50,000 pilgrims from across the country and the globe each year. With her many faces and titles, Mary is embraced by a diverse world that sees and understands her in their own cultural experiences. Yet, she is universal and unites us as Mother to us all. May 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9
In Focus
May Crowning:
A Tradition and a Treasure
BY JESSICA DONOHUE Correspondent
A
s the joy of the Easter Season and the beginning of spring usher in a time of renewal and reflection, we as Catholics turn to our beloved tradition of honoring the Blessed Mother during the month of May. This special feature of our faith has its origins during medieval times, when a Jesuit priest named Father Latomia of the Roman College instituted this month-long devotion to Mary as a spiritual response to the immorality he saw in the world around him. This practice of devotion to Mary in May gradually spread from to other Jesuits colleges, continuing on to parishes all over the world, eventually becoming a tradition in the universal Church. There are many ways we can honor Mary this month, as the praying the Rosary is especially highlighted and we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13 – but perhaps none is as cherished as the May Crowning.
Denise Mendola smiles as she places a crown of flowers on a statue of the Blessed Mother during Mass on May 1 in St. James Church, Trenton, which is part of IncarnationSt. James Parish, Ewing. Mike
“This tradition brings back happy memories ...” Mary’s Queenship has been associated with her veneration, but this special tradition only began to emerge as a popular practice during the 19th century. May Crownings can be celebrated very simply with families praying together and then crowning a statue of Mary in the home, a particularly beautiful way to enrich the domestic Church. Parishes and Catholic schools often hold 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
Ehrmann photo
May Crownings within the context of liturgy, incorporating traditional Marian hymns such as “Immaculate Mary,” “On This Day, O Beautiful Mother” and “Bring Flowers of the Rarest.” The beautiful Litany of the Blessed Mother is frequently included, reminding us of the many titles of Mary, our “Mystical Rose” and “Morning Star.” Traditionally, First Communicants are also invited to participate in May Crownings wearing the special clothing they wore on the
May 2022
day they received the Sacrament, an opportunity which tends to be embraced enthusiastically by both children and their parents. Around our Diocese, pastors and parishioners are preparing May Crowning celebrations in many different and creative ways. Father Daniel Swift, pastor of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, holds May Crownings at each Mass during Mother’s Day weekend. During these celebrations, a May Queen, who
An eighth grade girl at St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, crowns a statue of the Blessed Mother during a May Crowning ceremony May 3 on the school grounds. Courtesy photo
St. Ann School students Neve, Jozie, Leah and Julianna had the honor of leading the May Crowning ceremony Sunday, May 1 during Mass in St. Ann Church, Lawrenceville. Courtesy photo
A second grade student from St. Raphael- Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, places a flower in front of a stature of Mary May 1. The parish First Communicants and eighth grade students participated in the parish Crowning. Courtesy photo is between sixth and eighth grade, processes to the statue of the Blessed Mother accompanied by four girls from among that year’s First Communicants, while a Marian hymn is sung by the
congregation. The “Hail, Holy Queen” and “Memorare” are then prayed by the congregation.
Father Swift recalled his own fond memories of May Crownings – especially when, as an eighth grader at St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton, he was asked to be the escort for that year’s May Queen during the parish’s first May Crowning. As these celebrations continue in his own parish now, Father Swift noted that, “This tradition brings back happy memories of our parishioners who participated in May Processions in their younger years. Lots of smiles and a few tears are shed.” We are reminded during May Crownings first and foremost of the gift Mary is to our Church, and also how very blessed we are as Catholics to have such a treasure of beautiful and meaningful traditions which enrich our faith and our parish and school communities. In his 1965 Encyclical Mense Maio (Month of May), Pope Paul VI poignantly described why the whole of May is so close to our hearts: “For this is the month during which Christians, in their churches and their homes, offer the Virgin Mother more fervent and loving acts of homage and veneration; and it is the month in which a greater abundance of God’s merciful gifts comes down to us from our Mother’s throne.”
To view more photos visit TrentonMonitor.com>Multimedia>Photo Galleries May 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11
In Focus
1.
Mary’s Family Rosary group prays for peace
and healing every week on northern bank of Toms River
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n the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021 violence at the Capitol in Washington, a time when reports were circulating of similar threats against government buildings around the nation, Ellen Santos of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, felt that a prayer response was critically needed. She reached out to a few of her friends and posted a simple invitation on Facebook for people to gather on the beach in Seaside Park to pray for peace and healing. Thirty people showed up for the first gathering on Jan. 16 and what had been intended as a one-time event has been repeated ever since. Some of the group believed that the Blessed Mother wanted more from them. And there has not been a single Saturday since when at least a few members of this group did not come together to pray. They now gather along the banks of the Toms River, where they say the Rosary and other dedicated prayers. At this time, they make a point to include a prayer for the people of Ukraine, as well as many special intentions communicated to the group members. (We have the prayer posted to TrentonMonitor.com/LOCAL COVERAGE along with more photos.) All are welcome to come and pray with them on any given Saturday at noon. You will find them at the pavilion on West Camp Walk in Island Heights.
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May 2022
2. STORY & PHOTOS BY JEFFREY BRUNO Correspondent
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he was never there. Only a prayer card from Aunt Jackie’s funeral was taped to the bench. The bench is in the first row facing the river in a small pavilion that rests quietly under the shadow of several oak trees. She may never have been there, but her legacy is there to this very day.
3.
4.
All because of a little book. Her little book about the Scriptural Rosary. It’s a book that’s lovingly laughed about because it was so tiny, the print so hard to read that you had to squint. But her niece, Ellen Santos, fixed all that. It began with this Facebook post in January 2021.
It was during a time of rising unrest in the nation, a time when the most powerful weapon a person could wield were
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Rosary beads. “We need to do more than just talk about it or watch the TV; we need to get down on our knees…” explained Ellen. And so, 30 or so people froze together that January day on an uninhabited beach, uniting their prayers for peace and healing. Undaunted by the cold and inspired by the experience, they decided to return the following week. And the rest is history. As they approach May 2022, they’ve gathered over 60 times with well over 500+ collective Rosaries under their belt. They’ve relocated to the small, covered pavilion with easier access and parking to allow those that might struggle walking on the beach an easier time. The members come from near and far, mainly through word of mouth. Many hail from St. Joseph and St. Justin Parishes in Toms River, but others come from other parishes, other dioceses, even other states. They are all drawn together by their faith. There are prayer guides for those who aren’t familiar with the Rosary. The prayers from the tiny Scriptural Rosary book have been reprinted in a larger format. And for those who skipped breakfast to be there, Anna, a Continued on 14
1. Maureen Pizzo of St. Justin Parish prays the Rosary on a Saturday in April with the prayer group that gathers alongside the Toms River. 2. Michael Santos from Manayunk, Pa., bows his head in prayer. Pictured in foreground is John Briody, Michael’s grandfather, who is a member of Visitation Parish, Brick. 3. Prayer group coordinator, Ellen Santos, of St. Joseph Parish, leads the group in praying for peace and healing. 4. The prayer card for Ellen Santos’ Aunt Jackie is present each Saturday. 5. Kelly Stark of St. Justin Parish prays with her husband Eric. Stark works with Ellen in coordinating the group. May 2022
THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13
In Focus
Faithful gather for Rosary, prayer Continued from 13
We Asked – You Answered
long-time member, brings baked goods to share. What began as a response to the fearful conditions in the world has grown into a joyful family of faith; each praying for the other, the country and the world. They’ve endured the brutal months of winter and the sweltering days of summer. They’ve persevered in prayer, hope and devotion to the Blessed Mother. And now they form a family of faith, Mary’s family. It began with a simple Facebook post. A post that revealed much more than the printed words on a screen. It revealed a trusting soul. Trusting that Christ can unite, restore hope and bring healing. And a soul that places its trust in Christ becomes a beacon. A beacon of hope.
BY ROSE O’CONNOR
Digital and Social Media Manager
M
arian hymns have long touched the hearts of the faithful and this month with Mary as the in focus of The Monitor Magazine, we turned to social media and asked you to share your
favorite song!
FROM FACEBOOK: “Love the song Hail Mary, Gentle Woman.” Mary Lou McGrath “I have a new favorite called ‘Visitation Song’ by a young Catholic singer/songwriter, Aly Aleigha…I could listen to this over & over- it’s like a musical retreat!” Rachel Hendricks “My favorite Marian hymn is “Hail, Holy Queen Enthroned Above!” It’s so beautiful and I always tear up when I hear it at Mass!” Gennine Wittreich ON TWITTER: “Ave Maria” @ang7371 “Sing of Mary. Love the progression in the lyrics from Mary to Jesus to the Most Holy Trinity.” @Stuart_NJ
We look forward to interacting and connecting more with our followers on social media in the future, so be on the lookout for more questions and share (or tweet) your thoughts! 14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE
May 2022
While Aunt Jackie may not have lived to join them on the beach or pavilion, perhaps she stands beside the Blessed Mother now, gazing down with loving eyes upon those who gather to pray. Whether it’s Ellen’s post, Jackie’s prayer book, or Anna’s bread, it’s heartening to see what God can accomplish in those who cooperate with his Grace. You can join them each Saturday at noon at the pavilion on West Camp Walk, in Island Heights, NJ. Jeffrey Bruno is a long-time freelance partner of The Monitor, and photojournalist with Aleteia, the international Catholic news digital platform. The Brick-based prayer group is shown at Seaside Park. Courtesy photo