Dear Faithful,
August has always held a soft spot in my heart. St. Dominic, whose feast we celebrate on August 4, received the Holy Rosary, as depicted in the image of Our Lady of Pompeii. August also includes the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was not defined as an Article of Faith until 1950, but has been known to Christians since the time of the Apostles. In 1214, using St. Dominic to set the world on fire, Our Lady wanted us to meditate upon this tradition many times a week by making it the penultimate mystery of her Psalter and battering ram. The benefactor who gave us the official replica of the Miraculous Image also entrusted us with a first class relic of St. Dominic so that he can continue to spread the devotion of his Mistress 800 years later, when we need it the most.
August is a time for assignments in our Priestly Society. Two years ago, I came to St. Michael the Archangel and was immediately touched, not only by the parishioners but the restoration project. For the first time, I saw Old Holy Rosary and knew this was going to be a magnificent undertaking. August is also a time for re-assignments. With absolute trust, and in a spirit of obedience, a priest goes where he is told.
While that means I’m no longer the chaplain of the Jacksonville chapel, I still remain project head of Pompeii Rising to ensure continuity of direction. On the Vigil of the Assumption, I took Jacksonville’s new chaplain, Fr. Christopher Leith, to see the new church. Being a former mechanic, his analytical mind marveled at the craftsmanship and scope of the building, and was fascinated by the history and stories.
August will also be our first month of the Rosary Crusade. 30 soldiers have already enlisted and 772 Rosaries have been dedicated for the temporal and spiritual success of the restoration of Our Lady of Pompeii. For those of you who were not able to attend my Pompeii Grand Vision presentation in person, the following conceptual plans are not guaranteed yet as we need both approval and funds. I ask that you please share the
images with your children to show them what they are praying for. Tell them with their help, this is what Fr. Thomas wants to give back to the Mother of God. The children’s Rosaries will break down obstacles and move hearts. Keep saying your Memorare!
In Christ,
Fr. David Thomas
A rendering of the site plan showing a new church hall and paved access to additional parking.
A newly designed parish hall to support the needs of the church.
A floor plan that will restore the original layout. Areas colored in beige are sound controlled spaces.
Floor plan of the church hall that will provide facilities in close proximation to the church.
The second story of the church hall serving as classroom and office space.
This month’s mailbag submission is provided to us from Donna Rettini, original parishioner of Holy Rosary. Her father, Vincent, married his bride, Carmelo, witnessed by Fr. Barry in June of 1949. We catch a glimpse of what parish life looked like 70 years ago in this remarkable and detailed photo of the original sanctuary. It will be wonderful to have marriages at this church once again.
I love hearing interesting stories involving Our Lady of Pompeii or Old Holy Rosary. If you have one to share, please email us for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
I was told the parish was in the process of getting a fresh coat of paint. The work never ends.
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