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St Michael's World Apostolate |
On Wednesday, November 13, I went downtown to St. Francis of Assisi on 32nd St. for my private retreat. (I also prayed later at the beautiful Padre Pio Shrine at St. John the Evangelist across from Madison Square Garden.)
Providentially, the pastor happened to be offering a special Dedication Mass for the new Workers’ Chapel, a designation for their church and the first of its kind in New York City. It recognizes all city workers in the various industries: carpenters, electricians, construction, medical, outfitters, etc., and their hard work that is central to the health, growth and prosperity of the city. The Workers’ Chapel would be their invitation to a quiet refuge from the madness of city life.
Special guests included city and state labor leaders and elected officials that included Letitia James, New York State Attorney General. (Politics and emotions aside, I’m sure she and President-elect Donald Trump exchanged warm and festive Christmas cards, ha, ha, ha.)
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During the Mass, I literally said to Our Lady, “If you want me to give a blessed rose petal to Letitia James, I’ll do it, but You’ll have to make it happen.”
After Mass, I was about to approach her at the first pew when there was a sudden movement by the crowd towards the front door. The pastor was going outside for a little ceremony for the blessing of the gold Workers’ Chapel sign.
After the sprinkling of holy water, photos were taken and meeting and greeting ensued.
Incredibly, I saw an opening and a path directly to Ms. James, so I swiftly took it. I approached her and extended a gorgeous blessed rose petal to her. She was admiring it.
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MM: “Here’s a blessed rose petal from our church or Shrine in Queens. It’s very powerful for cure, conversion and healing. Keep it on you for blessing and protection.”
She looked up at me.
LJ: “I really need this.”
MM: “It’s a real rose petal. Just a quick story from 9/11. One of our members was a secretary for Cantor Fitzgerald who lost hundreds of workers on the 100th floor and higher. Her son injured his knee in football practice on Monday and she had to bring him to the doctor on Tuesday. So of course she wasn’t there, and her life was spared."
LJ: “Wow.”
MM: “So do keep this blessed rose petal on you for blessing and protection.”
LJ: “I will.”
She went to greet another person and I turned to leave. But then I turned back and repeated again to Ms. James:
MM: “Remember, keep this on you for blessing and protection.”
LJ: (emphasizing) “I will.”
For some it might be surprising, but Ms. James was very gracious, perhaps you can tell by the photo.
Let us pray that Ms. James is abundantly blessed by this gift from Our Lady of the Roses, especially her spiritual life.
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The Message does not discriminate |
It seems there’s a couple of takeaways in this encounter. Number one: Our Lady of the Roses wanted Letitia James to receive Her blessed rose petal. Number two: Our Lady is reminding us that Her Message is for all of humanity, not just Roman Catholics.
It brings to mind the Gospel passage when the Pharisees and the scribes are grumbling that Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners (St. Matt. 9).
Indeed, Our Lady makes it clear on August 5, 1978 that Her Message is to go to all peoples regardless of “race, color, creed or religion” [or politics].
“Onward Christian soldiers.”
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