Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney helped the rosary and prayer ministry of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as the “Little Flower,” celebrate the saint’s feast day on Sept. 21 by leading a prayer service, which included his presentation about St. Thérèse, at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes, N.J.
More than 300 people — priests, deacons, religious, and laity — attended the prayer service, which featured three vocalists. Emmanuel Cruz, a cantor at many churches, was accompanied on organ by Lou Scarpa, a trustee at Assumption College for Sisters in Denville, N.J. Barbara Bailey from St. Catherine’s sang “Ave Maria” while playing piano. Dan Yates, a New York City Broadway performer, also sang.
The Knights of Columbus Color Corps also participated in the prayer service. A reception with refreshments followed the event in the parish gym.
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The St. Thérèse prayer group meets at St. Catherine’s on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. from May through December. Members pray the Novena to St. Thérèse, a prayer for our nation, the Memorare, and the rosary. Participants are asked to bring a rosary. The group will provide prayer materials. St. Thérèse was a Discalced Carmelite nun in France who died at 24 on Sept. 30, 1897.
For the next meeting on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m., Karen Jaworski, a vocalist, and Joe Tamburro, a pianist, from St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Chester, N.J., will join the group.
While the St. Thérèse Ministry meets at St. Catherine’s, the Shrine of St. Thérèse at 54 Rock Lane in Boonton — about a mile away — is open year-round. The faithful can continue to visit and light a candle.
The shrine represents the gratitude of its founder, Achille Arci. He made a promise to her in the 1920s after he was cured of an illness. Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Boonton, ,N.J., owns and cares for the shrine.
Information: Call Carol Bsarany at 973-271-9252.
