As part of his travels around the North American District, Fr. John Berg, FSSP, Superior General of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, made a visit in El Paso, Texas, on November 25^th. There Father celebrated the feast of the Presentation of Our Lady in the chapel of the Franciscan seminary of San Antonio. Nearly three hundred faithful packed into the chapel and halls for the Mass.

Following the Mass there was a potluck reception in the hall and Fr. Berg spoke on the nature of the Fraternity of St. Peter; its three pillars: priestly scholastic formation, the traditional Mass and Sacraments, and fidelity to the Holy See. He also spoke of the FSSP’s work in parishes to provide a full Catholic life.

Having celebrated the Feast of All Saints and commemorated All Souls at our apostolate in Minneapolis, Fr. Josef Bisig, FSSP, and the students of Our Lady of Guadalupe seminary made their way to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin. There the seminarians made their devotions to our Patroness, and offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in reparation to her.

Continuing their stay at All Saints, our newest apostolate in Minneapolis, Fr. Joseph Bisig, FSSP, and the seminarians of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary joined Fr. Simon Harkins, FSSP, in commemorated All Souls by a Solemn High Requiem Mass.

Much like a Requiem Mass for a member of the faithful departed, in which their casket is present, the commemoration of All Souls has a empty casket called the catafalque (pronounced “catafaulk”), which represents the faithful departed of the parish. The first Mass of All Souls includes a blessing to the deceased of the parish with this absolution of the catafalque, performed after the sermon.

Father Joseph Bisig, FSSP, the rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, led the seminarians of the District on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in early November. On their way to the Shrine, Fr. Bisig and the seminarians joined the priests and lay faithful in our newest apostolate, All Saints Parish in Minneapolis, for their patronal feast. Enjoy pictures of the Mass and festivities.

The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter’s North American District now has available our 2013 Christmas Cards with Mass enrollment.

Several options exist to order cards, which feature:

• 12 card sets, featuring three each of four beautiful, full color designs.
• An intentions list to enroll your loved ones or friends in a Novena of Masses at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary from December 17-25, 2013.
• The ability to order additional cards.

While any contribution is welcome, a donation is not required to enroll. All contributions support our seminary in the formation of the next generation of traditional, holy priests.
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The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its foundation with special Masses and celebrations throughout the world.  In all of the events, the priests of the Fraternity gave thanks for the favors and gifts received by God through the patronage of Saint Peter and the Blessed Virgin Mary, and gave thanks for the multitude of supporters who have lent their time and talent to the growth of the Fraternity.

The priests of the North American District gathered in San Diego to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary on Friday November 15, 2013. The Pontifical Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala.  The Mission Basilica was the first of the 21 California missions and is known as the Mother of the Missions. It was founded on July 16, 1769, by Blessed Junipero Serra.

The Traditional Latin Mass Society of San Francisco recorded the Mass. Many thanks for their dedication to and support of Tradition, and the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter.

In your kindness, please continue to support the Fraternity in your prayers and generosity. Enjoy pictures from the Mass, courtesy of Kristen VonBerg.

The priests and parishioners of Holy Family Parish in Dayton commemorated Lifechain 2013 with Holy Mass and the Rosary in prayer for the unborn.  The morning began with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered by the pastor of Holy Family, Father Mark Wojdelski, FSSP.

Afterwards, priests and parishioners made their way to Planned Parenthood, where a Holy Hour was made in reparation for the offenses against God in abortion, and in prayer for the unborn.

In celebration of the Solemnity of All Saints, the priests and parishioners of Holy Family, our apostolate in Dayton, enjoyed their All Saints party on the Sunday after the feast.  Beginning with a potluck brunch and donuts, activities followed, with the children of the parish dressing as a particular Saint and parishioners guessing the identity after the hagiography was made.

A great time was had by all to celebrate the festivities of All Saints and the month of All Souls. Enjoy the pictures, courtesy of Karin, a parishioner of Holy Family.

In the spirit of the season, the priests and parishioners of Saint Michael’s, our apostolate in Scranton, began the commemoration of the Feast of All Saints on “All Hallow’s Eve” with a children’s All Saints party.  The evening began with parents and children reciting the Litany of the Saints in the church, then activities began in the parish hall with games, candy and the Saints contest.

For the contest the youth of the parish and the region, from toddlers to teenagers, dressed as Saints both familiar and unfamiliar. One by one, they came forward and gave a description of their Saint, upon which the attendees tried to guess which Saint was being portrayed.  Fr. Jose Zepeda, FSSP, pastor of St. Michael’s, had a difficult time deciding who the winners were in each age group and category, which included best costume, best performance and interestingly, the most obscure Saint.

A great time was had by all to begin the festivities of All Saints and the month of All Souls. Enjoy pictures.