St. Desiderius was a Bishop and Martyr, he was also called Dizier. A native of Genoa, Italy, he became bishop of Langres, in France. When the Visigoths invaded the region, Desiderius pleaded for his people and was martyred. St. Desiderius of Langres d. 407 Feast Day: May 23 Location: Langres, France Identifiers: Martyr, Bishop Relic located in the: TBD Type of Relic: A piece of bone St. Desiderius was a Bishop and Martyr, he was also called Dizier. A native of Genoa, Italy, he became bishop of Langres, in France. When the Visigoths invaded the region, Desiderius pleaded for his people and was martyred. Next Item Previous Item

Communal First Saturdays provides a way of fulfilling Our Lady of Fatima’s request for the First Saturday and thereby helping bring about world peace and the salvation of souls. Devotion Grow in your Faith Are you looking to deepen your faith? There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved at our parish. We have Bible Studies, Community Groups, Prayer and Devotions, Classes, Retreats, Organizations, and Groups in Spanish. I Want to Volunteer Contact Us Communal First Saturdays 1st Saturday of the Month English & Spanish Devotion Communal First Saturdays provides a way of fulfilling Our Lady of Fatima’s request for the First Saturday and thereby helping bring about world peace and the salvation of souls. More Information Daily Communal Rosary Before Daily Mass English & Spanish Devotion Join us for Liturgy of the Hours at 8 AM and a Communal Rosary at 8:30 AM all before the 9:00 AM Daily Mass in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. See below for specifics. More Information Divine Mercy Cenacle Mondays at 10 AM English Only Devotion We study the Diary of St. Faustina using a formation manual with weekly lessons along with appropriate references from the Bible and Catechism of the Catholic Church. We emphasize and promote the concept that the Divine Mercy message is more than a devotion: It is a Way of Life. We learn the role of trust, forgiveness, and mercy in our daily lives. Register First Friday Devotion 1st Friday of the Month English Only Devotion First Friday Hour of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus comes from when Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, and gave her the special task to spread devotion to His Most Sacred Heart at a time when religion was growing cold in the hearts of mankind. More Information Intercessory Prayer 3rd Saturday of the Month English & Spanish Devotion Join your parish family for Intercessory Prayer on the third Saturday of the month immediately following 10:00 am daily Mass. There is no registration required for those who have a prayer request. Our prayer teams desire to pray for you! More Information La Divina Misericordia Lunes a las 12 PM Spanish Only Devotion El Cenáculo de La Divina Misericordia es un grupo de oración, para experimentar el esplendor de nuestra fe Católica a través de la devoción y el Mensaje de La Divina Misericordia. Basado en la enseñanza de las Sagradas Escrituras, el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica y el Diario de Santa Faustina; es una maravillosa oportunidad para crecer en la fe y confianza en el Señor y ayudar a la salvación de las almas. Más Información Legion of Mary Various Times English & Spanish Devotion Legion of Mary is an apostolate centered on prayers and works of mercy. The primary objective of the Legion of Mary is the holiness of its members, under the auspices of our Blessed Mother – Queen of the Legion of Mary. Through participation in the various programs of the organization, members develop an active prayer life, enhanced by serving others within our parish community. More Information Liturgy of the Hours Before Daily Mass English Only Devotion Join us in praying the Liturgy of the Hours before the 9:00 AM Daily Mass. All are welcome Monday – Friday in the Our Lady of the Angels Chapel beginning at 8:00 AM. A rosary will follow the Liturgy of the Hours and then Mass. More Information Rosario Familiar El primer sábado Spanish Only Devotion El Rosario Familiar en español se lleva a cabo en la Capilla de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles el primer sábado de cada mes a las 7:00pm. ¡Todos son bienvenidos a unirse! Más Información St. Anthony Novena Tuesdays after 6:45 PM Mass English Only Devotion St Anthony’s Novena Devotion is every Tuesday after the 6:45 PM Mass. St. Anthony our patron saint, is often invoked for helping to recover lost items, healing of sick and other intentions and is popularly known as a miracle worker. Join us in asking for St. Anthony’s intercession! More Information

One of the most important philosophers in the history of the Catholic Church, Saint Justin Martyr was the first known writer to quote from the Acts of the Apostles and his deeply profound writings made an indelible impact and contribution to Christian theology. Of all Justin’s writings, only a portion survive, but three are held in the highest regard amidst Christian apologetics: his two Apologies, and Dialogue with Trypho. With his ardent defense of the faith, his use of philosophical wisdom, and hunger for undeniable truth, there is much we can learn from the inspiring Saint Justin Martyr. St. Justin 100 - 165 Feast Day: June 1 Location: Rome, Italy Identifiers: Martyr, Apologist Relic located in the: Left Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone Every human during their time on Earth is searching for something – purpose, fame, fortune, love, etc. For Saint Justin Martyr, his search was for truth, and he found it in the one true God: Jesus Christ. One of the most important philosophers in the history of the Catholic church, he was the first known writer to quote from the Acts of the Apostles and his deeply profound writings made an indelible impact and contribution to Christian theology. Born around the year 100 A.D. in Flavia Neapolis, Palestine (the present-day city of Nablus), Justin was born to pagan parents and became extremely well educated to the teachings of Stoicism, Platonism and other pagan philosophies. He developed a profound love for truth, and sought it out through multiple philosophical schools, but none of them quenched his thirst. He pinballed from one teaching to the other, but whether it was a philosopher too eager for his fee or a teacher unable to explain God’s being adequately to the student, he was left unsatisfied, until a chance encounter changed his life. Justin’s writings depict him crossing paths with an old man walking along the seashore, who engaged in a dialogue about God that kindled a fire in his soul. The old man imparted on Justin the testimony of prophets and their increased reliability over the flawed reasoning of philosophers. In his second-century Christian apologetic text Dialogue with Trypho, Justin recounts the man telling him “There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all those who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which would take place, and which are now taking place. They are called prophets. These alone both saw and announced the truth to men, neither reverencing nor fearing any man, not influenced by a desire for glory, but speaking those things alone which they saw and which they heard, being filled with the Holy Spirit.” Justin’s writings make it clear that he admired Christians from afar because of the beauty found in the way their profound morals shaped their lives. While a disciple of Plato, he had been skeptical of the accusations he heard regarding Christians, due to how they were “intrepid in the face of death and of all that men fear.” From what he was witnessing and learning, he felt that it was “impossible that they should be living in evil and in the love of pleasure.” After talking with the man by the beach, he finally understood the witness of Christians who “preferred truth to life.” The final cementing on the Christianity’s proof of truth for Justin was the witness of martyrdom; plenty of people had died for Jesus Christ, but nobody died for the teachings of Socrates. Justin soon renounced his former religion, becoming a Christian in the year 132, most likely in the city of Ephesus, located in modern Turkey. He began traveling far and wide, inspired with the passion of his Christian faith, to proclaim his newfound philosophy in hopes of converting educated pagans to the Lord. He spent a decent amount of time in Rome, establishing a school, debating cynics, writing wise apologetical works, and creating a fair share of non-Christian enemies in the process. Many of his teachings clashed with those of various Roman, Greek and Jewish scholars, and during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in Rome, Justin debated with the cynic Crescens, who would in turn denounce him as seditious to the authorities. Justin was arrested for being a Christian, a faith of which was under heavy persecution at the time by Aurelius, and after he refused to offer a sacrifice to pagan gods, he was tried, found guilty, and condemned to death in the year 165, alongside six companions. He died by execution, and authentic records of his martyrdom, by beheading, still exist to this day. Of all Justin’s writings, only a portion survive, but three are held in the highest regard amidst Christian apologetics: his two Apologies, and Dialogue with Tryphon. In the First Apology, Justin vehemently defended his fellow Christians against the accusations of atheism and open hostility towards them from the Roman state. He also dove into the core of his Christian philosophy, which was rooted in the term logos, the Greek word for “intellect” or “word.” Justin explained that logos enables humankind to understand basic truths all around them (time, creation, good & evil, etc.), but that Jesus Christ alone was the divine logos, and the ultimate truth. His writings went on to continually defend Christianity from Roman attack, provide incredible descriptions of the beauty contained within the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist, and compared core Christian beliefs with the beliefs of the Greco-Roman religion, to demonstrate the truth and beauty that was weaved throughout Christianity like a beautiful tapestry. Justin had an incredible knowledge of scripture – many scholars find his writings particularly informative thanks to his understanding of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. His writings established a solid foundation of salvation history, as well as a principal history of the Catholic church, from his writings regarding the sacraments. With his ardent defense of the faith, his use of philosophical wisdom, and hunger for undeniable truth, there is much we can learn from Saint Justin Martyr. He was unafraid to learn more, to grow in his faith, and to follow the Truth all the way unto death. Next Item Previous Item

“My Lord and my God.” Those five words together form one of the clearest declarations in scripture of the divinity of Jesus Christ, resurrected and standing in front of Saint Thomas. Thomas was one of the closest followers of Jesus and is most famous for being “doubting Thomas” – the result of an untimely absence on the first Easter Sunday that caused him to be skeptical upon hearing of the resurrection of Jesus. But while he may have a rough reputation for requesting physical proof of Jesus returning, he should be equally known for his courage as a follower of Christ. St. Thomas the Apostle 1st Century Feast Day: July 3 Location: Jerusalem Identifiers: Apostle, Martyr Relic located in the: Center Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone “My Lord and my God.” Those five words together form one of the clearest declarations in scripture of the divinity of Jesus Christ, resurrected and standing in front of one incredulous apostle – Saint Thomas. Thomas was one of the closest followers of Jesus during His time on Earth and is most famous for being “doubting Thomas” – the result of an untimely absence on the first Easter Sunday that caused him to be skeptical upon hearing of the supposed resurrection of Jesus. But while he may have a rough reputation for requesting physical proof of Jesus returning, he should be equally known for his courage as a follower of Christ. Little is known about Saint Thomas. He is mentioned in every gospel, as well as Acts of the Apostles, but he only speaks in the Gospel of John. His exact birthday and date of death are unknown, but most historians agree he was most likely born to a Jewish family in Galilee. There’s no indication he was a fisherman, although he is among the apostles fishing in John 21 when Jesus appears on the shore prior to a miraculous catch. We don’t know how Thomas became a follower of Jesus, but from the very first time in the Gospel of John that he speaks, it’s clear that he is a dedicated, passionate follower of Christ. In John 11, Jesus announces His intention of returning to the town of Judea to visit his friend Lazarus, who He and the apostles had recently been told was sick. The majority of the apostles were less then enthused at the prospect of this trip (“…the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”) but Jesus was undeterred. “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up,” Jesus said. Displaying their trademark lack of understanding that the apostles often had when Jesus spoke with a deeper meaning, they replied, ““Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” These moments occur frequently throughout the gospels and while Jesus was fully divine, he was also fully man, and quite capable of growing frustrated at their moments of dragging their feet. “Lazarus is dead,” Jesus spoke plainly in John 11:14, “and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Placing yourself in the shoes of the apostles, it is not hard to understand their hesitancy. Jesus had ruffled feathers in Jerusalem when he had been pressed to tell plainly of His divinity, but instead chose to respond, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.” Narrowly escaping a stoning, the apostles were likely still trying to grasp the words of Jesus about The Good Shepherd and His Sheep (John 10) and “the Father is in me, and I in the Father” (John 10:38). But ringing clear through any grumbling or dissent was Thomas, showing a rare glimpse of courage not often displayed by the apostles prior to Pentecost. “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” The second instance of Thomas speaking in the Bible shows him to be an inquisitive follower of Christ, sharing his desire to know the way to following Him more ardently. Through his question, we ultimately hear one of the most profound truths of the ministry of Jesus in response. As Jesus is seated with His disciples around the table of the Last Supper, he speaks to them in hopes of comforting them. He had just predicted His betrayal, as well as Peter’s denial of Him, and tensions were likely running high. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas, taking the concept of the travel and direction of Jesus to remain earthbound, replied, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” The answer by Jesus is one we have heard countless times and likely was imprinted onto Thomas’ heart: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Lastly, we reach the upper room, where behind locked doors, the disciples, unsure of what to do next, remained in fear of the Jewish leaders. Mary Magdalene had recently told them the heart-stopping news that she had seen Jesus, raised from the dead, but they were still in awe when he suddenly appeared among them. “Peace be with you!” He said to the overjoyed apostles – but Thomas was not with them. The cause of Thomas’ absence is unknown, but when he returned and heard that the Lord had just been standing in that very room, back from death itself, he insisted on physical proof. “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” It can be argued that the actions of Thomas in this moment weren’t even those of true “doubt.” Jesus – the man whom he fervently wished to follow, even unto the point of death – had died on the cross. Thomas had given Jesus his heart and his hope, so when Jesus entered the grave, Thomas didn’t doubt in the sense of simply wavering or hesitating: he did not believe at all. He refused to acknowledge the possibility of the risen Lord, refused to offer his heart to be crushed again, until he was close enough to put his fingers in Jesus’ wounds. What did Jesus do? He didn’t reappear with a thunderous rumble to rebuke Thomas for his disbelief. He didn’t leave him hanging and return back to His heavenly kingdom. Instead, one week later, he returned again to the apostles with the same greeting – “Peace be with you!” Then, speaking directly to Thomas, Jesus said, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Incredulously, Thomas felt the fatal wounds that had taken the Lord away from him, only to see Him now mere inches away. Falling at the feet of Jesus he exclaimed, “My Lord, and my God!” This profound realization of truth ultimately led Thomas to be the first person to explicitly acknowledge the divinity of Jesus. Following his encounter with the resurrected Lord, we lose track of a clear path of Thomas. We know he embarked on a missionary journey somewhere in the world, but most accounts are unreliable. According to many Christian traditions, Thomas traveled over to India, where he established numerous churches and preached the gospel all along the Malabar coast. Thomas is recognized as the founder of the Church of the Syrian Malabar Christians (also known as Christians of St. Thomas), of which there are more than 3,000 parishes around the world. According to Syrian Christian tradition, Thomas was martyred at Madras, a city in India now known as Chennai. Exact details are scarce, but most historians tell of Thomas coming into conflict with the king of Mylapore or the Hindu priests of Kali and Thomas eventually being killed by a spear. The spear wounds of Jesus were the evidence Thomas needed to truly believe, but it was his own spear wounds that would become the ultimate evidence of his own faith. Today, Saint Thomas is known as the patron of architects, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and theologians. The name “Thomas” remains popular among the Syrian Christians of India, and there are roughly 5 million Catholics belonging to the Syro-Malabar Church. Saint Thomas stands out among the apostles for his prominent questioning of what we all were taught to believe without question – that Jesus Christ died and rose again. But amidst what must have truly been a terrifying time for the apostles, having just seen their leader brutally murdered upon a cross, it’s perfectly understandable for Thomas to desire proof. Ultimately, he represents what we all desire; to have our love and faith of Jesus surpass all doubts and skepticism that can be heaped upon our Catholic beliefs. Jesus did not pick worthless men to be His disciples. Their hesitancy to follow Him to Judea, their lack of understanding in His deeper meanings and their abandonment upon Golgotha doesn’t point towards foolish followers – it proves that their human weakness did not disqualify them from holiness or sainthood, and neither does ours. Next Item Previous Item

The luminary, tireless servant of God known as Saint John Neumann was born in 1811 in Prachatice, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). Embracing a life of religious vocation, he joined the Redemptorist order and journeyed to the United States in 1836. John’s unwavering dedication to education led him to establish the first diocesan Catholic school system in America. In 1852, he became the Bishop of Philadelphia, where he fervently worked to support immigrants and foster spiritual growth. John’s humility, simplicity, and deep spirituality earned him sainthood, inspiring countless souls to seek God’s love in their lives. St. John Neumann 1811 - 1860 Feast Day: January 5 Location: Philadelphia, PA Identifiers: Bishop, Confessor Relic located in the: Right Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone Saint John Neumann, the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia and the first male citizen of the United States to be canonized as a saint, is revered as a spiritual luminary and a tireless servant of God. His life, marked by deep faith, unwavering dedication, and remarkable accomplishments, continues to inspire countless individuals even today. John Nepomucene Neumann was born on March 28, 1811, in Prachatitz, Bohemia. He was the third of six children in a devout Catholic family. From an early age, John displayed an exceptional intellect, intense piety, and a profound love for the Church. He pursued his studies at the Budweis Seminary, where his exceptional academic performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Prague. However, a greater calling beckoned him. Inspired by the tales of American missionaries and his own deep desire to serve God, John made the life-changing decision to embark on a missionary journey to the United States. In 1836, he arrived in New York City and was ordained as a priest the following year. Upon his ordination, Father John Neumann joined the Redemptorist order, a religious community committed to serving the most abandoned. He began his ministry in Buffalo, New York, where he served the German-speaking community, offering spiritual guidance, administering the sacraments, and tirelessly advocating for the poor and marginalized. Father Neumann’s reputation as an exemplary priest soon spread throughout the Catholic community. In 1852, at the age of 41, he was appointed as the Bishop of Philadelphia, a post he would hold until his death. As Bishop, John Neumann worked diligently to address the needs of the rapidly growing Catholic population in the United States. One of Saint John Neumann’s most significant contributions was his focus on education. Recognizing the importance of a strong Catholic education system, he established the first diocesan school system in the United States. Under his guidance, he founded over 100 Catholic schools, staffed by religious sisters, and encouraged the establishment of parochial schools throughout his diocese. He also established a seminary for the formation of priests, ensuring a solid foundation for the future of the Church. Saint John Neumann’s pastoral care extended beyond educational initiatives. He personally visited the sick, provided comfort to the imprisoned, and ministered to the spiritual needs of all he encountered. His humility, compassion, and dedication to his flock earned him the title of the “Apostle of the Emigrants.” After a life devoted to serving God and his people, Bishop Neumann passed away on January 5, 1860. His funeral drew an estimated 30,000 mourners, a testament to the profound impact he had on the Catholic community. In 1977, over a century after his death, Pope Paul VI canonized John Neumann as a saint, recognizing his remarkable sanctity and contributions to the Church. Today, Saint John Neumann’s legacy endures. His dedication to education, care for the poor, and unwavering faith continue to inspire Catholics and individuals of all backgrounds. His establishment of Catholic schools laid the groundwork for a thriving Catholic educational system that remains vital in the United States. His deep commitment to the physical and spiritual well-being of every person he met resonated in a way that should motivate us to desire to do the same. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Maximilian Kolbe was born Raymund Kolbe on January 8th, 1894 in Zduńska-Wola, Poland. Despite being a troublesome youth, he developed a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary before being ordained a priest in 1918. He created a Catholic newspaper, magazine, radio station, and city, founding Niepokalanów, the City of the Immaculate in 1927. Following the Nazi occupation of Poland in 1939, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz. He was killed after willingly taking the place of a man condemned to death, and his devotion to Mary and heroic sacrifice still inspires millions of Catholics today. St. Maximilian Kolbe 1894 - 1941 Feast Day: August 14 Location: Poland Identifiers: Martyr Relic located in the: Right Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of hair A fervent devotee to Mary. A master of new media. A pure, sacrificial soul. The brave Franciscan friar and eventual martyr St. Maximilian Kolbe was a man with a soldier’s heart, dedicating his life to fight in a spiritual war for souls. He accomplished a great deal in his 47 years alive – organizing the Militia Immaculata (Army of the Immaculate One), creating a monthly periodical titled “Rycerz Niepokalanej” (Knight of the Immaculate), founding monasteries across the world, and essentially building an entire city in Poland. He is a well-known saint for his heroic sacrifice in Auschwitz, volunteering to die in the place of a stranger in the German death camp, but there is much to learn from his life, starting at a very young age. Raymund Kolbe was born on January 8th, 1894 in Zduńska-Wola, Poland. One of five boys born to his parents, Julius Kolbe and Maria Dabrowska, he witnessed the effects of Poland’s political disunity at a young age, while growing in devotion to Jesus through Mary from the influence of his virtuous mother – who taught him to pray the Rosary, Angelus and other Marian prayers. These daily recitations couldn’t subdue Raymund’s mischievous nature though, with the young child drawing the ire of his mother one day in 1906. “I don’t know what’s going to become of you,” she said, shaking the disobedient youth to his core. He tearfully presented himself to Lord at his usual place of prayer, where he had a vision of the Virgin Mary. He described the incident: “That night I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.” Following this vision, his days as a troublesome youth were over, with Raymund and his older brother Francis joining the Conventual Franciscans the very next year. They were enrolled at a seminary in Lwow, with Raymund entering the novitiate on September 4th, 1910, where he was given the new name Maximilian. He briefly left the Order, with his Polish patriotism and love of Mary leading him to attempt to join the military forces in defense of Poland. God would soon make it clear that his mission was meant to be fought on the spiritual battlefield, and not a military one, and Friar Maximilian soon returned to the Order. He was sent to Rome in 1912 to further his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, earning a doctorate in philosophy in 1915 and another in theology a few years later. His dedication to Mary persisted throughout his time in Rome, where as a student, he witnessed vehement demonstrations against the Pope and the Catholic Church as a whole. With numerous Freemason pamphlets being distributed and other forms of media going out to shamefully attack the Holy Father, Kolbe knew something had to be done. On October 16th, 1917, Kolbe, along with six other friars, joined together to form the “Militia Immaculatae” (Army of the Immaculate One) to work for the conversion of all enemies of the Catholic Church. They consecrated themselves totally to the Immaculata and begin planning how to bring conversion to the Freemasons and beyond. Kolbe was officially ordained as a priest in 1918, and he returned home to Poland the following year to continue his work of promoting Mary throughout the newly independent country. He was appointed to serve as a professor at the Franciscan seminaries near Kraków, but a severe bout of tuberculosis, which also ailed Kolbe while in Rome, derailed those plans. He was forced to take a lengthy leave of absence from teaching, but while his physical body ailed greatly from this sickness, Kolbe’s zeal for souls never diminished. Not long after returning to Poland, Kolbe desired to start a Catholic newspaper, but lacked the funds. However, he had faith in Mary’s providence, and after praying for her intercession, he was able to collect enough donations to purchase an old printing press. After another spell of tuberculosis, Kolbe moved to a small friary in Grodno, where he operated a religious publishing press until 1926. Most notably, he founded a monthly periodical titled “Rycerz Niepokalanej” (Knight of the Immaculate) as a devotional publication to the Virgin Mary. Kolbe had seen how the enemies of the Church had utilized the media to spread hate – he knew he had the opportunity to utilize the same mediums of communication to instead spread Christ’s love, and this endeavor would change Kolbe’s life forever. The magazine began circulating widely around the country, with a daily newspaper, Maly Dziennik, also growing in popularity. At its peak, the Knight of the Immaculate was reported to have a press run of 750,000 copies printed a month. Soon, the growing number of subscribers forced Kolbe’s printing apostolate to start looking for a larger area to continue their missionary media efforts. At the same time, a Polish Prince Jan Drucko-Lubecki was selling a large plot of land outside of Warsaw, right by a railway. When Kolbe went to negotiate with the Prince in June of 1927, he brought with him a statue of the Virgin Mary. The negotiations reached a standstill, due to Kolbe not having the amount of money the Prince was asking for the land. The Prince was willing to reduce the price if the Order would offer perpetual Mass for him and his descendants, but when the Order refused, Kolbe departed, but left the statue on the property. When the Prince eventually told Kolbe to come collect the large statue, Kolbe merely responded with a request to let the statue remain there for awhile. After some time had passed, with the Prince constantly gazing upon the statue throughout the day, he came to realize that he was depriving the Virgin Mary of her rightful honor, and reached out to Fr. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, who he realized was a true ambassador of the Blessed Mother, to agree to his terms and sell the land. Twenty-two friars would be the founding residents of Niepokalanów, the City of the Immaculate. It was consecrated on December 8th, 1927, with a junior seminary starting in 1929, leading hundreds of men to flock to the area in pursuit of a radically Marian life. At one point, the monastery housed almost eight hundred people, not all priests or friars, but simply men dedicated to heroic lives of poverty, prayer, and sanctity. The city quickly became a major religious printing center, with Kolbe repeatedly pointing out that success was not measured in constructing more buildings or adding more printing presses; instead, it was found in the daily deepening of one’s love for the Immaculate. This love was further put into action by Kolbe when from 1930 to 1936, he traveled to Nagasaki, Japan alongside four other friars, in hopes of starting a mission there. His missionary heart had no bounds, and despite many barriers of language, opposition from local authorities and lack of finances, they were able to publish the Japanese version of their magazine, titled “Seibo no Kishi” as well as establish a new City of the Immaculate, named “Mugenzai no Sono”, or “Garden of the Immaculate.” Most notable about this monastery was that Kolbe prayerfully built it on a side of a mountain that he was advised against, due to Shinto beliefs viewing it as the side “not in tune with nature.” When the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki in 1945, the monastery was untouched from the blast by the other side of the mountain, which bore the brunt of the explosion. Had he built the monastery on the preferred side, it would not still be standing to this day. Kolbe would become the superior at Mugenzai no Sono one year after their arrival to Japan, with the Japanese version of The Knight surging to 50,000 subscribers by 1933. However, health issues continued to assail Kolbe, and after a brief trip to Malabar, India in an attempt to open another monastery, he returned to Poland in 1936. By this time, Niepokalanów had an airport, medical facilities, and even its own fire brigade. In 1938, Kolbe also held an amateur radio license and started a radio station, Radio Niepokalanów, to continue to use modern media to spread the word of God. He hoped to one day build a motion picture studio, but those plans were halted in 1939, when during WWII, the Nazis occupied Poland. Kolbe was one of the few friars who remained at the monastery, which had been converted to a temporary hospital, when the Nazis raided Niepokalanów. Kolbe was arrested on September 19th, 1939, but released on December 8th. He refused to sign the Deutsche Volksliste, a Nazi institution translated to “German People’s List” which would have given him rights similar to those of German citizens, in exchange for recognizing his ethnic German ancestry. Instead, he returned to the ransacked monastery, undeterred, to continue his missionary work. The monastery would become a safe haven for refugees and displaced families, with Kolbe helping hide 3,000 Polish refugees, two-thirds being Jewish, from the Nazis. They also continued their publication work, including many materials that were critical of the Nazi party. On February 17th, 1941, the monastery was officially shut down, and Kolbe was arrested by the Gestapo alongside four others. They were imprisoned in the Pawiak prison, located in Warsaw, before being transferred to Auschwitz on May 28th, as prisoner 16670. Upon his arrest, Saint Maximilian said, “Courage, my sons. Don’t you see that we are leaving on a mission? They pay our fare in the bargain. What a piece of good luck! The thing to do now is to pray well in order to win as many souls as possible.” Kolbe continued to act as a priest while in Auschwitz, despite being subject to violent harassment for doing so. He received numerous beatings and lashings but continued to minister to all those around him in the dark, heartless prison. At one point he was beaten so badly, the prisoners had to smuggle him into the camp hospital, where he heard confessions as he recovered. It is said that Kolbe would conduct Mass within the prison, using smuggled bread and wine, and would step aside from the food line to allow others to eat, despite the rations being pitiful to begin with. He was unflinching in the midst of incredible harshness, and maintained the gentleness of Christ at all times, pleading with his fellow prisoners to mercifully forgive their persecutors. At the end of July 1941, a prisoner escaped from the camp. Nazi camp protocol required that ten men be killed in retribution for every one that escapes, prompting the Nazi commander to pick the ten souls to be slaughtered. Francis Gajowniczek, a married man with young children was chosen as one of the ten, and when selected he cried “”My wife! My children!” When Fr. Maximilian Mary Kolbe heard his anguished cries, he stepped forward. “What does this Polish pig want?” the Nazi commander asked, to which Kolbe replied that he was a Catholic priest wishing to take Gajowniczek’s place. Astonished, the commander granted the request, and Kolbe was led off to the starvation chamber. According to an eyewitness from the prison, an assistant janitor within Auschwitz, what happened next was beyond comprehension. Inside the prison cell, Kolbe led the prisoners in prayer each day. Whenever the guards would check on the condemned men, he was calmly standing or kneeling in the middle of the cell. Two terrible weeks of starvation and water deprivation followed, with Kolbe hearing the whispered prayers of his fellow prisoners as they passed away, leaving only him alive in the cell. The guards, wanting the bunker emptied for more future cruelty, decided Kolbe’s time was up. Kolbe was given a lethal injection of carbolic acid. Some eyewitnesses at the injection say that he calmly raised his left arm up, offering his arm to the executioner. He died on August 14th, 1941, and his remains were cremated on August 15th, the feast day of the Assumption of Mary. On January 30th, 1969, Kolbe was declared venerable by Pope Paul VI. He was also beatified by Pope Paul VI on October 17, 1971, who recognized him as a Confessor of the Faith, but not a martyr. On October 10, 1982, Pope John Paul II surprisingly arrived at Kolbe’s canonization wearing red vestments, to officially recognize him as a martyr. JPII wanted to make a point that the Nazi systematic hatred of entire categories of humanity was inherently a hatred of entire religious faiths. Francis Gajowniczek, the prisoner Kolbe replaced in the death chamber, was present for both his beatification and canonization ceremonies. He is the patron saint of journalists, media communications, the pro-life movement, recovering drug addicts, political prisoners, and families. At his canonization, JPII called Kolbe “the “patron for our difficult century.” In the midst of another difficult century, let us look to Kolbe’s devotion to Mary, his ability to embrace modern technology to spread God’s love, and his heroic sacrifice in the face of evil to inspire us forward in our heavenly journey. Next Item Previous Item

Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Communion - Child Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the Child. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 2nd-8th Grade Next Item Previous Item Program Contact Leslie Bevilacqua Sacramental Preparation Coord (Bilingüe) lbevilacqua@ap.church 832-482-4062 Diane Czerniak Elementary FF Manager dczerniak@ap.church 832-482-4037 We look forward to helping your child prepare for their First Reconciliation and First Communion. Review the following to determine if you and your child are ready to enter the “Sacramental Preparation Program.” Registration for First Communion and Reconciliation is from August 1st to August 31st and can be found at ap.church/registration . BAPTIZED - Your child has received Catholic Baptism or made a Profession of Faith FORMATION YEAR 1 - Your child completed the previous year of weekly faith formation with good attendance JESUS - Your child knows Jesus through prayer and knows the sacrifice He made for our sins FORMATION YEAR 2 - Your child is receptive to weekly and monthly formation sessions led by you and the parish SUNDAY MASS - Your child attends Mass with your family every Sunday and desires to receive Jesus in the Eucharist IS YOUR CHILD READY? Does your child meet the 6 requirements below? Your child was baptized or made a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church Your child is at least in 2nd Grade AND at least 7 years old at the time of Sacramental Preparation begins in September Your child completed 1 year of Faith Formation or Catholic School with good attendance during the 2024-2025 School Year For the 2025-2026 School Year, your child will need to be enrolled in 2 programs Your child has a relationship with Jesus, and desires to receive Him sacramentally in the Eucharist Your child understands sin and desires God’s forgiveness and mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation IS YOUR FAMILY READY? Can you say YES to the following? Or are you committed to saying yes? If you answer “No” to any question below, let’s devise together the best way forward that meets your family's needs! Jesus Christ desires to be in communion with you. Please contact Leslie or Diane to set up a phone or in-person appointment. Do you attend Holy Mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation? Does your family go to sacramental Confession at least once a year? Do you pray regularly at home? Are you able to attend Monthly Family Sessions AND Weekly Formation AND lead your child in 1st Communion/Reconciliation Lessons at home? Can the parent and the child understand the content present in the family sessions?

Saint Mary Magdalene – the “apostle of the apostles” – is one of the most honored women in the Bible and one of the greatest saints today. She was the first person to see the resurrected Christ, she is mentioned more than any other woman in the Gospels, and more than most of the apostles. There have been persistent debates over the centuries regarding her life and background, but what we know for certain is that though many abandoned Jesus at His darkest hour, she was there. And when He returned, she was the one given the privilege to receive Him. St. Mary Magdalene 1st Century Feast Day: July 22 Location: Magdala Identifiers: Apostle to the Apostles Relic located in the: Center Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone The twelve apostles are some of the most well-known figures in Christianity. Jesus Christ’s closest followers, each of the twelve men were major figures in his life and ministry, playing important roles in sharing the gospel message. But when the dark hour arrived for the crucifixion of Jesus, only a few brave souls were able to witness the brutal act. And while one of those souls are not counted among the twelve, Saint Mary Magdalene – the “apostle of the apostles” – is one of the most honored women in the Bible and one of the greatest saints today. Except for Mary, the mother of Jesus, few Biblical women are as renowned as Mary Magdalene. She was the very first person to see the resurrected Christ, she is mentioned more than any other woman in the Gospels, and more than most of the apostles. Despite her clear canonical role as one of Jesus’ most faithful followers, there have also been persistent debates over the centuries regarding her life and background. The few unchallenged facts regarding the life of Mary Magdalene are scarce. Her epithet reads Magdalene, or more literally translated “the Magdalene”, indicating that she most likely came from Magdala, a small village on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee known as a fishing town. The name Mary was the most common Jewish name for women during her time, which further stokes the confusion distinguishing her in the Gospels. She does not enter into the Gospel of Mark until the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion, but in Luke’s Gospel, the beginning of chapter 8 (where Jesus is preparing to proclaim the parable of the sower) contains a brief introduction and distinction for this great saint. “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means (Luke 8:1-3).” The story of Jesus driving seven demons out of Mary is reiterated in the longer ending contained in the second-century addition to the Gospel of Mark (16:9), but it is particularly noteworthy that so little detail is afforded to her exorcism. In the first century, demons were widely believed to be the root cause of any physical illness or psychological affliction. Considering that Biblical accounts tell of not just one, but seven demons being exorcised from Mary, it is likely that Mary Magdalene was suffering greatly from her ailments prior to Jesus intervening, which many believe may have been more of a physical disorder rather than a true demonic presence. Regardless, Jesus successfully driving out the “seven demons” would have led to a strong devotion to Him, which would explain her refusal to avert her gaze upon Golgotha. Furthermore, the writers of the Gospels regularly employed dramatic descriptions of Jesus casting out demons, with details of the wailing and tearing of garments in nearly every account. However, the lack of detail in Mary Magdalene’s exorcism would suggest that it was either conducted privately or wasn’t particularly dramatic. The ending of Luke 8: 1-3 also indicates Mary Magdalene was a crucial member of Jesus’ ministry by her financial support. She, along with several other women she associated with, became followers of Jesus and supported Him and His disciples. This is further supported in Mark 15:40, the passage describing the crucifixion of Jesus: “Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs.” Mary Magdalene is viewed by many Biblical historians to have occupied a similar role among the female followers of Jesus to that of what Peter held among the male apostles. She remained a faithful follower of Christ even unto His death – all four Gospels list her among those watching from a distance His crucifixion, as well as being present at His burial. But perhaps the most telling event of all regarding the relationship of Jesus and Mary Magdalene was His resurrected appearance before her. The beginning of John 20 tells of her arriving at the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus with spices (a Jewish custom to honor the dead) only to find the stone rolled away. After alerting Peter and another disciple, they ran to the tomb to confirm the miraculous news and then departed – she found herself standing outside the tomb crying, only to look inside the tomb and see it now occupied by two angels. When questioned, she shared her grief: “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” And it was at this moment, a moment in which Jesus could have selected any follower or disciple, that He chose her to appear to. When the man she thought to be the gardener asked who she was looking for, her response was firm and direct: “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus replied simply: “Mary.” It was then her eyes were opened, and she saw the resurrected Lord. One can only imagine the immense joy in her cry of “Rabboni!” which is Aramaic for “teacher”. Jesus gave her clear instructions: “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” And she did just that. While most followers of Jesus had likely assumed His story had concluded upon the cross, her excited cry of “I have seen the Lord!” to the disciples marked the beginning of an incredible journey to come. As for the remainder of her life, there are many religious texts which speculate about her whereabouts. Most agree that she was devoted to sharing the Gospel message after Jesus ascended into heaven, but it’s unclear ultimately where she carried that mission out. One story tells of Mary among a group of early Christians who were forced out to sea without sails or oars by Jews who had persecuted them. The group reportedly landed in southern France, and tradition tells of Mary living the rest of her life as a contemplative in a nearby cave. There are others who speculated that she instead traveled with the apostle John to Ephesus (present day Turkey) and retired there, but very few records exist to prove any of these theories. A multitude of factors have played into the varying depictions or portrayals of Mary Magdalene over the years– the sheer number of women named “Mary” in the Bible, the variations among the four Gospels, and a select few Biblical stories involving unnamed women which have been connected to Mary via loose assumptions and vague teachings. Around the year 591, Pope Gregory I gave a homily which identified Mary Magdalene as being the anonymous sinner with perfume in the Gospel of Luke, as well as being the Mary known as the sister of Martha and Lazarus. He also specified her sins for the first time as those of a sexual nature. Pope Gregory’s interpretation took the seven demons driven from Mary to represent the seven deadly sins, which equated to condemning her of having fallen into sins including those of lust and covetousness. This theory of the three Marys in one spread widely but received much opposition – additionally the image of Mary Magdalene being a repentant sinner or prostitute was not formally accepted by Eastern Orthodox religions, but was still a regular basis for her depiction thanks to Western medieval and Renaissance Christian art. So regular was this characterization of Mary Magdalene as a reformed prostitute that in 1758, moral reformers opened the first “Magdalen institution” in Whitechapel, London: The Magdalen Hospital for the Reception of Penitent Prostitutes. It was the first of many institutions opened to house and support “fallen women” which was a popular term at the time applied to those involved with work in prostitution or general sexual promiscuity. There were countless attempts at further divulging Mary Magdalene’s history throughout the centuries, but in 1969, a revision of the General Roman Calendar attempted to make a clear distinction regarding her life, in regard to her celebration on July 22, her feast day: “No change has been made in the title of today’s memorial, but it concerns only Saint Mary Magdalene, to whom Christ appeared after his resurrection. It is not about the sister of Saint Martha, nor about the sinful woman whose sins the Lord forgave (Luke 7:36–50).” Additionally, regarding the liturgies performed on July 22, it is specifically noted that “it will make mention neither of Mary of Bethany nor of the sinful woman of Luke 7:36–50, but only of Mary Magdalene, the first person to whom Christ appeared after his resurrection.” On June 10, 2016, Pope Francis made the distinction to raise the level of her liturgical memory on July 22 from memorial to that of a feast, putting her on par with the twelve apostles. Another Pope, Benedict XVI spoke of Mary Magdalene a handful of times, including his Angelus message on July 23, 2006 in which he had this to say of the inspiring saint: “The story of Mary of Magdala reminds us all of a fundamental truth. A disciple of Christ is one who, in the experience of human weakness, has had the humility to ask for his help, has been healed by him and has set out following closely after him, becoming a witness of the power of his merciful love that is stronger than sin and death.” When so little is known historically about such an immensely important figure in the Bible, it is easy for a wide variety of imaginative details or loose threads to fill in the blanks. From Pope Gregory, to “The Da Vinci Code” to even the 2018 film “Mary Magdalene” starring Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix (which based its story off a variety of sources regarding Mary’s life, including the Bible, Gnosticism, and more), she is depicted in a variety of ways. But a small number of things we know with near certainty. Saint Mary Magdalene was in one way or another, a sinner, like us all. She was healed, forgiven by Jesus and followed Him. In His darkest hour, she was there. Though many abandoned Him, she chose to honor Him. And when He returned, she was the one to whom the privilege was given to receive Him. Let us look to this legendary saint, who witnessed the cornerstone of Christianity in our resurrected Lord, to guide us on the road to sanctity, and to never forget who it is we are looking for. Next Item Previous Item

Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program for high schoolers is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the teen. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration.  First Communion - Teen Our Sacrament Preparation (First Reconciliation and First Communion) program for high schoolers is a collaboration between our Parish, the Family and the teen. Click below to find out more about the program, requirements, and registration. 9th-12th Grade Next Item Previous Item Program Contact Angie Muckenthaler Confirmation Coord amuckenthaler@ap.church 832-482-4038 9th-12th Graders seeking First Communion and Reconciliation will be prepared over two years. Year One of Preparation is through our Life Teen Program (9th-12th Grade) and will discuss Church Teachings and integrate Sacramental Preparation. Year Two is through our Teen Confirmation Program (10th-12th Grade) and will cover the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Participants will receive their First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation during Year Two. 9th Grade Candidates for First Communion and Reconciliation can begin preparation in their Freshman year of high school. Each Candidate will complete their first year of preparation by attending Sunday evening Life Teen Sessions or enrolling in an accredited Catholic High School. The second year of preparation is the year in which the Candidate will receive First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. 10th - 12th Grade After completing Year One of Preparation through Life Teen or through Catholic High School, the Candidate will attend our Confirmation Year Two Program on Wednesday Evenings. At the end of the program, the Candidate will receive their First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Youth Ministry Website

Chiara Offreduccio was a teenager living in Assisi, Italy when she heard St. Francis preach, and a mission was sparked within her to live a life after the Gospel. That mission would lead her to start a religious order, defend her monastery from attack with only the Blessed Sacrament, and become Saint Clare of Assisi. With a passion for poverty, Clare chose to shed her attachments to this world and embark on a radical mission of holiness and simplicity. Her courageous life still guides the more than 20,000 Poor Clare sisters in over 70 countries to this day. Her feast day is August 11th. St. Clare of Assisi 1194 - 1253 Feast Day: August 11 Location: Assisi, Italy Identifiers: Virgin, Founder of Poor Clares, Franciscan Relic located in the: Left Reliquary Type of Relic: A piece of bone In 1212 A.D., Francis of Assisi was preaching at a Lenten service at a church in Assisi, his message reached the ears of a teenager named Chiara Offreduccio, and a mission was sparked within her to live a life after the Gospel. That mission would lead her to found a religious order, defend her monastery from attack with nothing but the Blessed Sacrament, and become Saint Clare of Assisi. Born in Assisi, Italy on July 16, 1194, She was the oldest daughter to her wealthy parents, Favarone and Ortolana. Her mother was a devout woman who had traveled on multiple pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land, she passed her love of prayer down to Clare. She embraced prayer at a young age. She was 18 years old when Saint Francis of Assisi came to the church of San Giorgio in Assisi to preach, and the words that she heard would change her life. She asked Francis to help her further dedicate her life to God, and he vowed to help her. Clare refused to marry a man her parents arranged for her, and on Palm Sunday in the year 1212, she fled to the Porziuncula to meet Francis. She knew there was no turning back now that the message of Christ was ignited within her heart, and she exchanged her rich, fancy gown for a rough, woolen robe and veil, and had her golden hair sheared down to a short, cropped cut. She took vows dedicating her life to God, and the Second Order of Saint Francis had begun. Clare traveled to the convent of Benedictine nuns of San Paulo, but her father, enraged with her leaving their family and refusing to marry, attempted to force her to return home. He arrived at the monastery alongside her uncles and would’ve resorted to dragging Clare back to their castle, had she not clung desperately to the altar of the church, resisting any attempt to move her. Throwing back her veil to reveal her cropped hair, she professed that she would have “no other husband than Jesus Christ” and her family, recognizing her unbreakable will, left in defeat. Clare and her sisters relocated to the newly repaired San Damiano monastery. Clare’s aim was to live a simple, holy life filled with poverty and Jesus, and that quickly attracted more women who desired to be brides of Jesus in the bold way Clare was pursuing. They soon became known as the “Poor Ladies of San Damiano”, following a simple rule that Francis had established for them. Included in this rule was a focus on austerity, seclusion from the world, and deep poverty. Clare and her fellow sisters did not wear shoes, eat meat, or sleep in a bed, and they kept silent for the large majority of the day. Their lives were filled with manual labor and prayer, but their joy was undeniable. So committed to a life of abject poverty was Clare, that when officials such as King Gregory IX and the Pope himself suggested they tone down their practices, Clare responded “I need to be absolved from my sins, but I do not wish to be absolved from the obligation of following Jesus Christ.” Clare humbly served the Lord, but her sanctity and dedication to the Lord was apparent. Many stories tell of her returning from prayer with her face so shining that it dazzled those nearby. Popes, Cardinals and Bishops would travel to the church of San Damiano to consult with her but despite her growing notoriety (she was sometimes given the title “alter Franciscus” which translates to “another Francis”), she never left the cloistered walls of San Damiano. She would later defend her order valiantly in September of 1240 and June of 1241, when a pair of armies attempted to attack their monastery. Violent soldiers from Frederick II were on their doorstep ready to attack, when Clare went out to meet them with the Blessed Sacrament, displayed prominently in a monstrance. Raising up the monstrance to where the enemies could see it, she fell to her knees and begged God to save them. Struck by a sudden fear, the attackers fled as fast as they could, without laying hand on a single person in Assisi. Despite her health declining rapidly in her later years, Clare would devote herself to crafting her own rule of life for the Poor Clares, one that would remain faithful to the true mission of their order and be resilient to any attempts to water it down. On August 9, 1253, Pope Innocent IV visited Clare on her deathbed and declared that her rule would serve as the governing rule for the Poor Clares. It is believed to have been the first set of monastic guidelines written by a woman. Two days later, Clare passed away after receiving absolution from the Pope. Before she died, she turned to speak to one of the Franciscan brothers at her bedside and said, “Dear brother, ever since through His servant Francis I have known the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I have never in my whole life found any pain or sickness that could trouble me.” She was 59 years old. Just two years after her death, Pope Alexander IV canonized Clare as Saint Clare of Assisi on September 26, 1255. The examination of her miracles took just six days to complete. The Basilica of Saint Clare was finished in 1260, and her remains were transferred to a burial place beneath the high altar. In 1263, Pope Urban IV officially changed the title of the Order of Poor Ladies to the Order of Saint Clare. Saint Clare of Assisi had a passion for poverty; despite having ample opportunity to settle into a life of opulence, she chose instead to shed her attachments to this world and embark on a mission of holiness and simplicity. Her courageous resistance to the attacks by soldiers on their lives and politicians on their radical ideals made her an incredible leader, still guiding the more than 20,000 Poor Clare sisters in over 70 countries to this day. Next Item Previous Item