The Churches of St. Michael & St. Mary Flocknotes: Parish Events & News (6/12): Sr. Maria Ivana; Watchmen; Cor Jesu; Sacred Heart; Boat Ride
https://t.co/BZ7V61DQAr
As the US bishops consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Christ let us all embrace Him into our own hearts. His love is everlasting and He longs for us to walk His Way to the Father.
Historic: the United States Has Been Consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026
The U.S. bishops consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Live from the USCCB Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, this historic Mass invites parishes and Catholics around the country join the bishops in consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart on June 11, 2026. ✝️🙏
Today, as the Catholic bishops of the United States consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in honor of America's 250th Anniversary, President Donald Trump issued a message recognizing this act as “a powerful moment in our national story” and a reminder that America has always been guided by the loving hand of God.
At a time when our nation faces deep challenges, we are reminded that the answer is not found merely in politics, but in turning our hearts back to Christ.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless America, protect our families, strengthen our Church, and guide our nation for generations to come.
Read Presiden Trump's full message here > https://t.co/NG6PGp9kk4
Saint Augustine of Hippo, the brilliant scholar, passionate, sinner- turned- saint, and one of the greatest minds in Christian history!
From Restless Rebellion to Radical Grace
Born in 354 AD in North Africa, Augustine lived a life many modern people would recognize: intellectually gifted, ambitious, and spiritually adrift. He chased success, pleasure, and new philosophies. He fathered a child outside of marriage, joined a trendy spiritual movement, and famously prayed,
“Lord, make me chaste… but not yet.”
Yet God pursued him relentlessly.
Through the prayers of his mother, Saint Monica, the preaching of Saint Ambrose, and a dramatic conversion moment in a garden in Milan (where he heard “Take and read”), Augustine surrendered. He was baptized in 387, ordained, and eventually became Bishop of Hippo.
His writings, especially Confessions and City of God, have shaped Western Christianity and philosophy for 1,600 years.
Augustine’s most famous line still cuts through the noise of 2026:
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
Look around today. We scroll endlessly, chase promotions, binge-watch, chase validation, and fill every quiet moment with noise. Our hearts are more restless than ever, anxious, divided, addicted to stimulation.
Augustine lived this struggle before us. He knew the emptiness of pleasure without purpose, knowledge without wisdom, and freedom without God.
He teaches us that:
.Intellect alone is not enough. He was one of the smartest men of his time, yet it was only when he humbled himself before God that true understanding came.
.Your past does not define you. The same man who lived wildly became a Doctor of the Church. God doesn’t waste anything, even our failures become part of our witness.
. True freedom is found in surrender.
In a culture that screams
“follow your heart,”
Augustine reminds us to first give that heart fully to its Creator.
A Message for Right Now:
In our age of burnout, identity confusion, and digital distraction, Augustine’s life is a beacon.
Stop running.
Let your restless heart find its home in God. Whether you’re a student overwhelmed by choices, a professional chasing the next level, a parent exhausted by daily demands, or someone quietly wrestling with doubt, St. Augustine has been there.
He shows us that conversion is not a one-time event but a daily choice to turn toward the Light. That even brilliant, broken people can become saints. And that the same God who transformed a North African playboy into a timeless saint is still at work in our lives today.
Saint Augustine, pray for us, that our restless hearts may find their rest in God alone.
May the same fire that burned in his heart ignite ours.
“Late have I loved you, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new…”
Saint Augustine, Confessions
I hope this speaks to you!
😇😍
Before celebrating Mass at the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV took time to visit the crypt, pray before the Blessed Sacrament, and light a candle at the tomb of Venerable Antoni Gaudí, the genius who designed the iconic church more than a century ago. Gaudí, known as the “architect of God,” died in 1926, is buried in the basilica crypt, and his cause for beatification is still underway.
U.S. Bishops Affirm Advancement of a Cause of Beatification and Canonization for Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh
The bishops of the United States held a canonical consultation on a possible cause of beatification and canonization for Monsignor Joseph Francis Buh, a diocesan missionary priest who spent decades evangelizing and serving the spiritual needs of Indigenous communities and frontier settlers in remote parts of northern Minnesota in the late 1800s.
On this significant day, June 11, 2026, the Catholic Bishops of the United States are consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during a special Mass at Mary, Queen of the Universe Basilica in Orlando, Florida (4PM EDT).
This historic act marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence (coming July 4) and is the first formal national consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart.
It comes as the USCCB Spring Plenary Assembly gathers, with the bishops entrusting America to the loving Heart of Christ for healing, unity, peace, and a renewed commitment to the Gospel.
The Sacred Heart devotion, rooted in the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, reminds us of God’s infinite love and mercy. In a polarized time, it calls us to place our families, communities, and nation under Christ’s care.
The USCCB encourages parishes, families, and individuals to join in this consecration through prayer, the Novena to the Sacred Heart, and enthroning the Sacred Heart in homes.
Today the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, joined by parishes and faithful across the country. The act of consecration takes place as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Join the livestream this afternoon at 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT. Watch along, pray with us, and entrust our nation to the love of Christ's Sacred Heart.
The Rosary is the Bible on a String”
The Mysteries of the Rosary;
1. Joyful Mysteries:Reflecting on the early lives of Christ
2. Sorrowful Mysteries;focuses on the agony and death of Christ
3. Luminous Mysteries; a collection of Christ's miracles
4. Glorious Mysteries; on events, surrounding Christ's resurrection.
Mondays and Saturdays - Joyful mysteries
Tuesdays and Fridays-Sorrowful mysteries
Thursdays- Luminous mysteries
Wednesdays and Sundays-Glorious mysteries.
In the Rosary, we not only say prayers, we think them.”
Venerable Fulton Sheen
Pray your Rosary today