Day 3

The Security Forces continue to make progress in securing areas of concern in corporate Kingston and now the old capital, Spanish Town. THANK YOU to all who have joined us in praying for PEACE as this limited state of emergency continues.

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Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

LIMITED STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

KINGSTON, Jamaica - Jamaica's government declared a limited state of emergency in parts of its capital city Kingston Sunday (23 May 2010) after shooting and firebomb attacks on police stations by supporters of an alleged drug lord who faces extradition to the United States. The emergency covered the West Kingston and St. Andrews districts of the capital where gunmen fired on two police stations and set fire to another. At least one policeman was injured.

PRAY FOR PEACE!

World Cup Fever

With Only 22 days until the World Cup in South Africa begins, "Football" fever has hit Above Rocks. Each morning the future stars suit up and head down to the play field in their St. Catharine uniforms (thanks to our friends in Spring Lake) to play the sport they love! Although they have fun, we try to instill in the boys some discipline, fair play and sportsmanship. Tennessee, their couch and mentor, gently yet firmly guides the boys in such a way that they will develop into good Jamaican men. After the two hour sessions they return to the compound for lunch and school.

Jamaica Team - World Cup 2014?

Spirit of Assisi

The Franciscan Friars and Sisters in Above Rocks have being trying to share the Franciscan Charism with our people. Francis' love for the poor is shown as our Church brothers and sisters bring food each Sunday to be given to a home for abandoned handicapped children. The compound recently received a bit of a face lift with new Franciscan signage as well as a new statue.

Buildings have been named after great Franciscan Saints:

Cupertino Centre (homework centre)

Padua House (Hostel for visiting groups - volunteers)

St. Louis Educational and Social Centre (auditorium)

Fasani Canteen (breakfast and lunch program)

Saint Mary's College students pass this sign each day - we hope they take it to heart!

I see greatness...

As a 7 year old boy, Dr. Davidson Daway sat on his teacher's knee and as she looked into his eyes she said "Davidson, I see greatness in your eyes." Those words propelled the young boy to escape horrible abuse by his family members and go on to earn a doctorate in economics and ultimately work as an economist at the United Nations http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20050320/out/out3.html. Yesterday, following the 11am Mass, Doctor spoke to the Saint Mary's Community and challenged them to take care of the children, the future of Jamaica. His story was inspiring and there wasn't a dry eye in the Church. Next month he will be the speaker at the Saint Mary's All Age graduation.

"What Do You Want To be?"

"What do you want to be when you grow up" is a common question asked to many young people all over the world. That question was asked today and the answer came in the form of our All Age students "dressing" as the person they hope to be in the future. "Teacher" was the most popular occupation. We pray that our boys and girls can always dream and their dreams will come true!

Building a better Jamaica

Look out business world

Justice will prevail

Protecting our Country

The friendly skys await these children

Future Nurses

O Mary We Crown Thee

The Fifth Annual Mother's Day May Crowning at St Mary's, Above Rocks. Needless to say Mary's trip to get here took several years, but now she is nicely ensconced in the shrine, and for the first time in many years the crowning took place in the grotto.

Fr Michael leads us in prayer

Dadria waits for the cue to crown the BVM
Dadria and her proud grandma, Miss Rose-

with the BVM looking on

Newly Elected Provincial Visits

Fr James McCurry, OFM Conv, the newly elected (February '10) and installed (April '10) Minister Provincial of the St Anthony of Padua Province, USA, visits St Mary's, Above Rocks, and Missions. Fr James came for an extended weekend to visit the four worshipping communities: St Mary's, O L of Lourdes, Holy Family and Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Last Sunday Fr James conducted listening visits at each of these churches. Unfortunately while he was visiting the industrial action (2 day strike) by the teachers limited his exposure to our school children. And while Fr James was on the island he paid a visit to His Grace, Archbishop Reece.

Fr James likes a good cup of tea - on the friary porch

Fr James listening at Holy Family, Cassava River

The Ordinaries: His Grace, and the Very Rev James McCurry

Save The Shoes!

The John Carroll School Campus in Bel Air Maryland was the site of the Save The Shoes 5K. On May 1st over 100 runners gathered to participate in this important and unique fund raiser for our Mission. Caroline Kirby, a senior at the school, decided that her "Senior Project" would be to help the children in our school in a special way. Knowing that our runners participate in track competitions in bare feet, she decided to collect a pair of sneakers or cleats as an entrance fee to enter the 5K. Over 800 pairs were collected. Caroline is the second senior to pick the Mission as the recipient of her project. Last year Emily Burdshaw collected over 4000 books for our school and visited the mission to see first hand the good work that is happening in Above Rocks.Thank you so much to John Carroll School and especially to these two ever special young women!