Swords and Scallops

I know I haven't been around in a while, but here's a bit of information that is really important. If it's not too much trouble, relay it to everyone you know.

Via World Apostolate of Fatima, USA:

You are cordially invited to join us for the 2nd Annual:
Worldwide Fatima Sanctity of Life Day
Preserving the Sanctity of Life

Sunday October 8, 2006

With Bishop Paul Bootkoski - Main Celebrant and Homilist
Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R. Special Guest Speaker

When Our Lady visited Fatima eighty-nine years ago she said if you want a better world, a world without war, a world without disease, a world without genocide; a world where each of God’s children have the opportunity to know Him, Love Him and do His work, you must pray… pray often. This is one of the primary reasons the the World Apostolate of Fatima exist. We know how vital Our Lady’s message is to the salvation of the world and to the salvation of souls.

Men and women who choose to support the termination of pregnancy offend Our Lady and offend God. The same people who say a woman with an unwanted child is carrying a fetus, rejoice at the baby carried by a mother in a pregnancy that is wanted. You and I know that it doesn't’t matter whether you choose to call it a fetus or a baby; if no one chooses to end its life, it will be born to learn how to do God’s work.

It is important that we follow the commandments, it is important that we do God’s work, it is important that we work to change laws that support abortion. However, the sin is not in what the laws say; it is in what people choose to do. We believe we are called to help people choose to follow God’s path… prayer helps people choose God.

In order to couple the power of Our Lady of Fatima’s message with the hard work being done by those active in the pro-life movement, the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA / Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima will become a gathering place for those who work to save the life of the unborn child. It will become a place where many more of God’s children will come and develop a devotion to Our Lady and discover the tremendous power of prayer. The World Apostolate of Fatima will become a place where many unborn lives will be saved.

The Blue Army Shrine is now the home for the powerful pro-life statue: Mary Mother of The Life Within. We will provide a sanctuary of prayer and spiritual enrichment for those that work so hard for the life of the unborn child within.

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Special Guests

Bishop Paul Bootkoski
Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen

The Most Rev. Paul Gregory Bootkoski was named the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen by Pope John Paul II on January 4, 2002. He was installed as the Fourth Bishop of Metuchen on March 19, 2002.

Bishop Bootkoski will be the Celebrant and Homilist for today's Mass.

Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R.
Franciscan Friars Renewal

Father Apostoli is a member of the Community of the Franciscan Friars Renewal and is often seen on EWTN. He is a published writer of many books and has written for "Soul Magazine."

Father Apostoli will give a talk on the Power of Prayer, the Message Meant for the World, and What do Sanctity of Life Issues have to do with the Message of Fatima.

~SPECIAL~

Join Father Andrew Apostoli on a pilgrimage to Kazon, Russia. For more information as it becomes available, please email your contact information to: service@bluearmy.com and we will keep you updated.

Father Mark Moretti
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Father Moretti is pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish located in Lake Ridge, VA. He also serves as President on the Board of Trustees for the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA.

Father Moretti will give a talk on Russia and Kazan.

Dr. Alan Keys
Keynote speaker - Pro-life Champion

Keyes has unashamedly and consistently raised the standard of unalienable rights--and Biblical truth--in defense of the unborn and the sanctity of life. Keyes confronts the culture of death with compelling and inspiring reasons why abortion must be banned from our land.

Dr. Allen Keys will present a very stirring message on the Sanctity of Life.

Joe DeVito
Artist and Special Guest

Joe DeVito is a renowned sculptor, painter, illustrator and author and has been a prolific artistic force for the past 25 years. He received the inspiration to design and sculpt the statue, "Mary, Mother of the Life Within," which has caused hundreds of millions of prayers to be sent to heaven for peace and the Sanctity of Life. His artwork has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the US and abroad.

Gianna Jensen
Singer and Special Guest

Gianna Jensen was aborted and lived to tell about it. Come hear her incredible story about her own personal experience as it relates to the Sanctity of Life. Listen to her beautiful voice as she graces us with her songs.

Dana
Singer and Special Guest

Dana is established as one of Ireland's most successful entertainers, having enjoyed outstanding acclaim through best selling single records and albums, top rating television appearances and major headlining concerts at home and abroad. Dana will be our special guest on October 8th for Worldwide Fatima Sanctity of Life Day.

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Tentative Schedule:

10:00AM - Introduction by Michael LaCorte, Executive Director
10:15AM - International Rosary; English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian & Polish
11:00 AM - Holy Mass with The Most Reverend Paul Gregory Bootkoski
12:30 PM - Speech by Joe De Vito; will sign statues throughout the day.
1:00 PM - Concert with Dana
1:45 PM - Announcement & Collections
2:00 PM - Speech by Dr. Alan Keyes
2:45 PM - Announcement & Collections
3:00 PM - Speech by Father Andrew Apostoli
3:30 PM - Father Moretti talks on Russia and Kazan
4:00 PM - Speech and concert by Gianna Jensen
5:00 PM - Candlelight procession with Dana singing the Rosary
5:30 PM - Program Ends

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For information please call the Shrine at (908) 689-1700 Ext.10
or
Judi at (908) 246-6678