In the small St. Joseph’s Chapel of our Retirement House, in Watham, MA,  at 4:15 pm on this November 4th [“mid-term” election day in the USA], Fr. Gregory Hoppough, Provincial, was the main celebrant of a con-celebrated Mass for the community and the Lay Stigmatines, our  assistants here on the property and friends.

            Fr. Richard Scioli,. Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Milford, MA – gave an excellent Homily on the Stigmatine charism –  for the Church at large and for each Stigmatine. With the Scriptures, he compared this vocation to the small mustard seed – or the little bit of leaven which raises the batter.

            This small ‘Gift” has proven to be a rich source of service to the Church – and right now it is beckoning to each and every Stigmatine to let this charism grow continually  in our hearts.

            Members came from as  far away as Pittsfield MA – Springfield MA – and the Stigmatines from this community and two young priests from Thailand,  Fr. Peter and Fr. Dominic.

            Following the celebration of the Eucharist, all were served a delicious supper meal lovingly prepared by the staff of the house, and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

            This was a fitting celebration of the Stigmatine’s 198th anniversary as a Community, remembering in our hearts,  with much Thanksgiving for Nov. 4, 1816!