Detroit, MI
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This report comes from evangelist Mark with the national SPSE team in Detroit, MI:
Fellow evangelist Michael invited SPSE to display a table at his parish festival last Sunday. I was at our table for most of the three-hour time slot but Michael and more evangelists, Carrie and Christopher, stayed at times to help. There were about 300 people who came for morning Mass at St. Hyacinth Church and probably all of them went to the festival shortly after Mass. There was an even mix among the festival crowd: current parishioners at St. Hyacinth, former parishioners who attended the parish school, Catholics from across the archdiocese, as well as bicyclists that started and ended a large group ride at the church grounds.
I was pleasantly surprised by the large number of Catholics among the cyclists, as many of them were already familiar with Miraculous Medals. Whenever someone approached the table, I quickly offered them free sacramentals. Most people were surprised at first, saying “really, they are free?” I answered, “Yes, you can’t buy blessings.” Then they were eager to take a chain with a crucifix and Miraculous Medal. I would estimate that we gave away about 15-20 rosaries throughout the day and at least 50 medals on chains.
One woman approached the table saying that she has a sister who forgot how to pray the Rosary. During the month of the Holy Rosary, she thought that this encounter was providential and happily took pamphlets on how to pray the Rosary. One man approached our table and row of rosaries saying, “the Rosary saved me during a very dark time in my life.” I praised God for His consolation, grace, and helping our friend persevere during tough times.
Praised be Jesus Christ!