Philadelphia, PA
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The following report comes to us from team leader Nancy with our team in Lower Bucks County, PA:
Our team got out last Saturday across from the Cathedral, near Sister Cities Park. It was the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a day after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day was perfect for an SPSE outing, sharing love of Christ and His sweet blessed Mother. It was an honor for the team to get to introduce two diaconate candidates, Kevin and Dennis, and Dennis’ spouse Amy to evangelization. We got out around 9:30 am and were fortunate to have lovely weather and many people strolling about.
One of the first people we met was a man named James, who was walking with his bike. We asked him if he would like a blessed medal and prayer. He explained that he could use prayers “in thanks for everything!”. The team huddled in and prayed in thankfulness and also for James’ wellness and safety, particularly with bike riding, and asked Jesus to ask the Father to send His Holy Spirit upon James and all of us. Upon this prayer James fell silent and became a bit tearful. We mentioned how it seemed he was moved by the Holy Spirit. He smiled and agreed and thanked us profusely. He told us how glad he was to have met us.
The team met and prayed with many other people. At two points we separated, with some staying by the sidewalk sign and others going to nearby park areas where many homeless spend time on the benches. We gave out bottled water and breakfast bars, blessed medals and rosaries, to those who wanted them and prayed and spoke with many.
One young man, Josh, noted that he needed prayer for a new job and that he was looking for a church to attend. Josh said that when he was very young his grandmother taught him and the kids in his family about the Bible and Christianity. Josh was open to visiting the cathedral for the first time. We told him about how the Catholic Church is meant for all, not just for Catholics. They visited the tomb of St. Katharine Drexel in the cathedral, and discussed how she was a Philadelphia heiress who left all of her wealth behind to serve native and African Americans. Nancy and Josh recited Psalm 23 together, thinking about how great it is to have Jesus always by our side leading us on the path of righteousness. Josh stayed back to pray on his own.
Praised be Jesus Christ!