Shrine of St. John Newman

Today, we were granted freedom to leave the seminary and roam the country, or as far as we could get in time to return by 9 pm curfew, so a few of us went to the Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia, a place where miracles occur, as it is said. I have been eager to visit the shrine for two reasons: 1) a good pro-life friend of mine from Wilmington, NC spoke highly of the Shrine and told me many stories that were encouraging and 2) I can get a plenary indulgence for visiting the shrine during this, the bicentennial anniversary of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which I have done.

To the left should be an image from the Shrine with the prayer of the Saint, "Dearest God, give me holiness," which he said at his first Mass. May we all make this prayer sincerely and desire that it be done, through wisdom and sacrifice, choosing God over the maxims of this world. 'Til next time...