Tuesday, October 8, 2019 In December 1531 the Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico asking him to have the Bishop Juan de Zumarraga to build a church in her honor. The Bishop was reluctant to just take his word and asked for sign from Juan. He returned with a cloak of roses which were not native to the area. The Blessed Virgin had arranged the roses in his cloak and she told him to bring them to the Bishop. When he showed the bishop and even more wondrous sign appeared; a remarkable portrait of Our Lady was imprinted on the coarse fabric of his cloak. The image and the cloak are displayed for the veneration of the faithful to this day at Our Lady of Guadalupe basilica of Mexico City. The Knights of Columbus have over the years had 7 Silver Roses made. One Rose was … [Read more...]
From the Archbishop
The people of the Bahamas have suffered great destruction-loss of life and property. We continue to pray for them. If anyone wishes to offer financial help, they may give their gift at the parish or send it directly to me at 7887 Walmsley Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please mark the envelope: Hurricane Relief. Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond … [Read more...]
Back to School
St. Stephen Catholic School had its first day of classes on Monday, August 5, and our first school Mass on Friday, August 9. We also had a nice group of parishioners join us for our second school Mass last week on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 9:00 am. I wish each parishioner could come to at least one school Mass (which is normally at 9:00 am on Friday unless a Holy Day of Obligation falls during that week) to see what well-behaved, enthusiastic and attentive students we have at St. Stephen’s. Unfortunately, many of the families that attend St. Stephen Catholic School do not live in the parish and, therefore, attend Mass at their home parish. However, you do know some of our students (and former students) who participate as altar servers at our … [Read more...]
Diaconal Ordinations
On Saturday, May 18, 2019, at 10:00 AM at St. Louis Cathedral, we will ordain Sylvester Ugbada Adoga, Luis Carlos Duarte Gonza?lez, Kesiena Dennis Obienu, Luis Carlos Valencia Osorio and John Daniel Yike to the Transitional Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. You are cordially invited to attend the ceremony. … [Read more...]
St Michael, the Archangel Prayer
Beginning September 15, 2018, we will say the St Michael, the Archangel Prayer after all of the Masses at St. Stephen and St. Henry churches. Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the Power of God – cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. … [Read more...]
Masses Back at St. Stephen Church
Beginning Friday, August 31, both the School Mass and the Tuesday evening Mass that is preceded by a Holy Our of Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will return to St Stephen Church. The School Mass is celebrated on Fridays at 9:00am (unless there is a Holy Day of Obligation that week, in which case it is moved to the Holy Day of Obligation), and the Tuesday evening Mass is celebrated at 6:00pm, with the preceding Holy Hour beginning at 4:45pm. … [Read more...]
Confessions
September 12, 2018 5:00pm – 6:30pm As he did last year, Archbishop Aymond has asked that each parish offer the Sacrament of Confession on September 12, the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. … [Read more...]
Prayer to the Sorrowful Mother
by St. Alphonsus de LiguoriO my afflicted Mother! Queen of martyrs and of sorrows, thou didst so bitterly weep over thy Son, who died for my salvation; but what will thy tears avail me if I am lost? By the merit, then, of thy sorrows, obtain me true contrition for my sins, and a real amendment of life, together with constant and tender compassion for the sufferings of Jesus and thy dolours. And if Jesus and thou, being so innocent, have suffered so much for love of me, obtain that at least I, who am deserving of hell, may suffer something for your love. "O Lady," will I say with St. Bonaventure, "if I have offended thee, in justice wound my heart; if I have served thee, I now ask wounds for my reward. It is shameful to me to see my Lord Jesus wounded, and thee wounded with Him, and myself … [Read more...]
Symbols of the Eucharist (4 of 5)
The symbol of the Agnus Dei, the “Lamb of God” is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Eucharist. It is an explicit connection between the Paschal Lamb of Passover and the Sacrifice of Christ on the cross. John the Baptist was the first to call Jesus the “Lamb of God,” and we hear the Lamb of God directed to the Eucharist at each Mass right prior to receiving Him in Holy Communion. … [Read more...]
