June 11, 2016 – The Blessing of Our Two New Flags

The Saturday evening Mass on June 11th, three days before Flag Day, June 14th, which commemorates the adoption of the Stars & Stripes as our official standard by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777, was indeed a blessing.  Two veterans proudly carried our new Papal and American flags, placing them in front of the altar rails.  At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Stephen, joined by celebrant Fr. Anthony, blessed the new flags and sprinkled each with Holy Water.  Fr. Stephen thanked the donors and the PPC for working to acquire the new banners for the church. 

 

A heartfelt thanks to our veterans for their service, to Fr. Stephen for his lovely words and blessing, to Senator Golden’s office for the donation of the American Flag and stand, and to the anonymous parish donors for the Papal Flag and stand. 

All the best,

The St. Anselm Publicity Committee

 

Blessing Of Processional Banner (Adapted)

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ,

Whose Church is like unto a fortress of armies

bless these flags, so that all who fight 

under these standards for Thy sake,

those in the armed forces of the United States

and the Swiss Guard of the Vatican,

and those who live under these standards,

O Lord God, may through the intercession of Mary Immaculately Conceived patroness of the United States 

and blessed St. Michael patron of the Vatican,

Sts. Martin and Sebastian patrons of the Swiss Guard 

overcome their visible and invisible enemies in this life,

and after the victory reign triumphantly in heaven. 

Through thee, Jesus Christ,

Who livest and reignest with God the Father

and the Holy Spirit, for all eternity.  Amen.

(CLICK HERE for photos)