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Thanks to our benefactors and friends who leave us comments after viewing a post. Due to electronic posts that are not from benefactors and friends, all future posts will be reviewed before they are posted. Thank you for your continued support of the Mission. PEACE!

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord

Today marked the annual blessing of graves in the Archdiocese of Kingston. All four of our Churches have areas where the dead are buried. After each Mass this morning we blessed the graves of those who have gone before us and remembered the many contributions they made to the Mission.All-powerful God, whose mercy is never withheld from those who call upon you in hope, look kindly on your servants who departed this life confessing you name, and number them among your saints forever. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

27 Months . . . but B V M Arrives

In February of 2006 a friend of the Franciscan Friars, +Aunt Josie, died in Baltimore, MD. Her family wanted to donate a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the Mission, as +Aunt Josie had a great devotion to Our Lady. So in May of 2007 the family purchased the statue. At first we were told it had be shipped to a "Brother Michael" in Central America. Then a few months later we were told she was on the island (Jamaica) but they just couldn't put their finger on the exact location. In August of 2008 we found here, in a garden in Mandeville. Actually she had been sent to the Passionist "Brother Michael" in Mandeville, where she was given a home on the lawn of St Paul's Cathedral. Through the tireless efforts of +Aunt Josie's Family, especially Pat, the long awaited statue was put in her home today. My hunch is: she could have walked from Baltimore, MD, to Above Rocks, Jamaica in 27 months...what do you think?

Special THANKS to the

Karwoski Family!

St Francis Day

St Francis Day Celebrations - Through the permission of the local Ordinary the Friars were able to celebrate the Feast of St Francis at the weekend liturgies (vs 27th Sunday of the Year). After Mass at each of the worship sites the Franciscans (friars and sisters) joined with the people of God for cake and juice (above). Later Sunday afternoon the Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny joined us for dinner (below). . . here you see: (left to right) Br Michael, Sr Marcia, Fr Michael, Sr Goretti, Sr Colleen, Sr Angela and Sr Terecita enjoying dessert, awaiting the full moon to come over the distant mountain. Not pictured, because she's getting the picture for us, is the FSE Postulant, Ana.

Beautiful Boginvilia

The workers at the Mission are always looking for new ways to beautiful the compound. Marc has taken the responsibility to develop a boginvilla garden on the auditorium veranda.

Marc and Sheppie give the new plants some nourishment.

St. Joseph Cupertino

Thanks to all our overseas supporters, Kemar loves to learn!

Today (September 18) the Franciscan Order celebrates the Feast of Saint Joseph Cupertino OFM Conv. This Saint is a favorite among students as he himself found studies difficult and is thus the Patron Saint of Students. Now in the 4th year, the Cupertino Program at the Mission helps students who need extra attention. Two sessions are held each day. The morning session is for grade 6 students ( 12 students attend) while the afternoon offers assistance to grade 2-5 students ( 20 students attend). This program is funded entirely by our supporters in the States, especially the Parishioners of Saint Joan of Arc in Maryland. Anyone interested in helping the future of Jamaica can send their monetary donation to our Mission Office in Ellicott City Maryland. Who knows - maybe we have a future St. Joseph Cupertino in Above Rocks!

Miss Kadian (Coordinator of the Cupertino Program) helps Jordan with his math.

Grade six students use the computer (donated by Archbishop Curley High School) to develop their skills.

St. Joseph of Cupertino - Pray for us!

Welcome Back Students

For the past two weeks the students have been back in school - unfortunately the power has not - we are without power for various reasons up to 15 hours a day! Students, teachers and administration look forward to a successful year and hope the brain power kicks in!!!

All-Age students are all smiles as they begin the new academic year

The entire student body of St. Mary's College gathers for the opening assembly in 95 degree heat. We have the students but are in desperate need of a large auditorium. Naming rights are available to anyone who is interested in making a sizable donation to the auditorium fund. Father Michael is open to any name even if it is named after the Red Sox!

College girls happy to see their teachers after a long Summer