Sunday, February 8, 2026

Plenary Indulgence Available on February 9


February 9 is the Feast of St. Maron, who is the founder of the Maronite Catholic Church. This is an eastern rite Church in full communion with the worldwide Catholic Church. Pope Benedict XVI instituted the ability for the faithful to obtain a Plenary Indulgence by visiting a Maronite Church on February 9 in honor of this special Feast. Yesterday Asher and I attended a Divine Liturgy at St. Maron Church in Torrington, Connecticut. 

The evening was an early celebration of St. Maron's Feast. A wonderful Lebanese meal followed. Fr. Fadi Khawand is originally from Lebanon and was previously assigned to St. Joseph Church in Beirut where we have a Children's Rosary prayer group. Fr. Khawand is very excited by the idea of starting a Children's Rosary at his current parish in Torrington. We were able to share with him handmade rosaries and Children's Rosary books in both English and Arabic to help in his efforts to begin a group.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Remembering Jackie Tiul

On the Feast of the Presentation, beloved Children's Rosary group leader Jackie Tiul passed away after a long battle with cancer. Jackie led a Children's Rosary prayer group for many years at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut. Her group always met on the first Saturday of each month. Despite her illness, she was faithful to leading this group. She will be dearly missed. Please remember Jackie in your prayers. Her funeral will be held on February 9.

Information can be found about the wake and funeral HERE.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Apostolic Nuncio from Cameroon Conveys Support for the Children's Rosary

 

Mgr. José Avelino Bettencourt, the apostolic nuncio to Cameroon, conveyed the above correspondence to Asher after Asher had returned to the United States. Mgr. Bettencourt is quite known and respected across Cameroon, and we were honored that he had been so kind as to express his support for our efforts there and around the world.