All of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

We are living in trying times. Everywhere there is anger, frustration, condemnation of others, and bitter disagreement. Sometimes we even feel like the children of darkness are at war with the children of light, and they are winning. I hope that these trying times shape us into the person God wants us to be. God wants us to be a beacon light in darkness. The only way we can stand firm as the children of light who walk in this dark world is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, for “by His Holy Cross, He has redeemed the world”. Yes, indeed He has transformed all evils, all insults into the source of healing hope and unity for those who believe and remain faithful to Him. Also at the foot of the Cross, while the disciples fled for their lives, our Blessed Mother Mary remained faithful with her Son. Her sufferings united with His in the most intense manner and She became the sign of unity among Her children, the Church. So during this time of discord and isolation, many are scattered and unable to receive our Lord sacramentally, let us turn to Jesus and Our Blessed Mother by reading the Bible and praying the Rosary. Just as we are called to be one from many, so the Words and the Rosary which are prayed in many different languages have the power to bring us together as one mind, one heart, and one nation. Therefore, I invite you, on this July 4th celebration, to join me in praying the Rosary for our nation and to place our nation under the mantle of Mary as the Immaculate Conception. May Her protective care keep us from the assault of Satan-prince of darkness.

Most Holy Trinity, Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother; in union with Mary, we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority. Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our President and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our mother, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners--on all who are in need. Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our mother, patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give our country and ourselves to your sorrowful and immaculate heart. O Sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, pierced by the sword of sorrow prophesied by Simeon, save us from degeneration, disaster and war. Protect us from all harm. O sorrowful and immaculate heart of Mary, you who bore the sufferings of your son in the depths of your heart, be our advocate. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen. (In May 17, 1846, the bishops of the United States had proclaimed Mary, under the title of her Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the whole country.)

Hail Mary full of grace…

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, especially those fallen heroes through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Happy 4th! Rest assured of my prayers for you and yours during this difficult time. Please stay put, stay safe, stay healthy, and stay connected in fervent prayers.

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

P.S.

+ PLEASE join us St. Clare’s live-stream Mass schedule for this July 4th weekend:

Saturday 4:30 PM and Sunday 9:00 AM. www.stclarehouston.org, Looking forward to welcoming y’all virtually!

+ I’m deeply grateful for your generous financial support during this difficult time. Without your financial support, we are unable to sustain our ministry during this crisis. Here are options for Weekly/monthly giving: 

(1) ONLINE (preferably and make sure to choose St. Clare of Assisi) please visit:

https://www.archgh.org/ways-to-give/parish-offertory-support/ 

(2) Mail in your envelope, and 

(3) drop box at church.