November 2021
Thanksgiving Week
Dear Companion of St. Anthony:
Peace and all good.
During this week of Thanksgiving, we may be singing the hymn by Henry Alford:
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.
This year we, perhaps more than ever, can give thanks for having gotten to this point of our lives. Things may see more normal for us this year as we may be able to gather together with our loved ones and extended family over a Thanksgiving break. Let this time be a true break and perhaps a break from traditions – perhaps staying away from Black Friday and all the future credit bills. You might want to create a simpler and less stressful weekend for yourselves. Lately I have been quoting Psalm 46:10 –
“Be still and know that I am God.”
As we continue to give thanks, I give thanks for all of you, our Companions along the way of faith. May this beginning of this season of joy and the upcoming season of Advent give you joy.
In Christ and St. Anthony,
Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv.
Spiritual Guardian, Companions of St. Anthony
Director and Rector of the Shrine of St. Anthony
