Today is the feast of the Guardian Angels. The word “angel” means “messenger” and describes the intermediaries between God and humanity. Angels assist us in our daily struggles, announce God’s messages and serve as guardians. May we also be guardians of the vulnerable and protectors of those in need.

Today, we celebrate the charisms of Joy and Gratitude. Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity captures the meaning of this charism for Carmelites when she said, “What a joy is the Rule and our live in Carmel! Day by day it draws me into the embrace of God’s love!”For Franciscans, this charism means having a reverence for and finding joy in every thing, every creature and every person because they are a sign of the love of God. Francis, himself, often could not contain the joy he felt in all of God’s creation, breaking into song at the goodness of God.

Today we pray: God, our Loving Creator, with joyful hearts, uplifted in gratitude, we rejoice in the gift of a new day. All around us, creation is singing its song of praise. We join our hearts and spirits with all people and all creation as we lift up our hearts to you, our God. We rejoice in the possibilities that this new day brings and thank you for all the good things you will bless us with this day. Help us to be mindful of and take pleasure in your many gifts to us. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, pray for us!

St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Heritage Week Activity: Tonight, at the beginning of our Block Party, we will have a special blessing of the animals. You are invited to bring your pets to be blessed! Please bring all dogs on a leash and all other animals such as cats, hamsters, rabbits, etc. in a crate or cage. Large farm animals are not permitted.