Usually the month of August is a time for Phoenicians to escape the heat, but we were blessed with an influx of visitors. Fr. Kline and his good friend, Fr. Dandurand from the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio, came for a week retreat at the beginning of the month. Br. Francis, CFR enjoyed the sites, sounds, and critters of the desert, his first time to the southwest. Fr. Miguel, MFVA, came and gave one of our seminarians John Parks (soon to be ordained to the diaconate on October 31st) a directed retreat. The latter three were able to join us, Bishop Olmsted, Sister Shaun and Sister Sheila (IHM sisters and dear friends to Bishop Olmsted and now us) for Our Holy Mother Clare’s Mass and festivities, a joyous day indeed.

We were also privileged to attend the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival held by the Knights of Columbus that concluded their yearly conference. 20,000 people joined some great speakers in a very special day devoted to Our Lady, the Star of the New Evangelization. The following day, we were able to entrust to Our Lady of Guadalupe all of our special intentions and those who have asked our prayers before the only relic of the Tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was awesome! (Almost as good as traveling to Mexico City.)

We are still awaiting word on the permits to begin construction of the Chapel. In the meantime, Kathryn Sharpe will be joining our little band of sisters on September 14th, the Feast of the Holy Cross. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. Work is proceeding for the two modular houses that will be built on the site. We are excited at the prospect of moving down to the new property and being able to accept even more vocations! God bless you.