Thursday – March 23, 2017: Friar José Guadalupe Matus Castillo, OFM Conv. received his naturalization certificate during a March 23rd Oath Ceremony; became an American Citizen. Please join us in congratulating Fr. José!
Originally from Mexico’s Provincia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (at the time a Custody), Fr. José transfiliated to become a member of our province during his work in ministry with us. In his prior years of ministry in the USA, Fr. José has served in our prior ministry of St. John Vianney Catholic (Lithia Springs, GA), in St. Lucie Catholic Church (Port St. Lucie, FL) and at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus – Bishop & Martyr (Chicopee, MA). Fr. José also served in the Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Chicopee.
Friars from our different provinces often work together in ministry. Although Fr. José is a friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, he currently serves as Associate Pastor of Saint Ita Catholic Church, in Chicago, a ministry of the St. Bonaventure Province.

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America
into the hands of Mary Immaculate
in order that she may present the country to You.
Through her we wish to thank You for the great resources of this land
and for the freedom which has been its heritage.
Through the intercession of Mary,
have mercy on the Catholic Church in America.
Grant us peace.
…
Protect the family life of the nation.
Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations.
Through the intercession of our Mother,
have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners—on all who are in need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, patroness of our land,
we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you.
Protect us from every harm.
Pray for us, that acting always according to your will
and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God.
Amen.

(Excerpt from a prayer attributed to Archbishop John Carroll, first bishop of the United States)