Monthly Archives: June 2016

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew 16:18)

On This Date…

On June 29, 1932 Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem. telegraphed Father Michael McKeough, O.Praem. in Montana, appointing him the first headmaster of Archmere Academy. Father McKeough telegraphed his response that same day: “Will do as you say. Sounds great.” The next day Abbot Pennings wrote to Bishop Edmond FitzMaurice of Wilmington, seeking the bishop’s approval of the plan to open Archmere Academy.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

Saint Peter and Saint Paul

June 29th is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul; in today’s Gospel Jesus told Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church”. Father McKeough was the rock upon which Archmere was built.

– Father McLaughlin

We Pledge Allegiance to the Flag…

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

On This Date…

imagesOn June 14, 1777 the Continental Congress adopted the first official flag (13 white stars in a field of blue, 13 red and white stripes). Flag Day has been celebrated on June 14th since 1877. Congress formally recognized June 14th as Flag Day in 1949.

Today was the funeral for the father of three Archmere graduates and grandfather of four Archmere students (two graduated and two current students). He served in the Army during World War II and after the Mass of Christian Burial his body was draped with the American flag; it was presented to his widow at the cemetery, the gift “of a grateful nation.”

As we “pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America” may we be “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

– Father McLaughlin

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Posted on by Fr. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.

Today’s Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9)

On This Date…

On June 6, 1134, a Wednesday, Saint Norbert died in Magdeburg, Germany at age 54; he had been ill for several months with malaria, contracted during a peace mission to Rome. He was fully conscious at the moment of death, gave his blessing to the community gathered at his bedside, uttered the name of Christ, and died peacefully. His Funeral Mass and burial took place on June 11th in Magdeburg.

On June 6, 1944, D-Day, 60,000 allied troops invaded Normandy, France; by June 11th nearly 10,000 allied soldiers were killed and an estimated 4,000 to 9,000 German soldiers.

In today’s Gospel Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”. We remember Saint Norbert, an “Apostle of Peace,” and those who gave their lives in Normandy for the cause of peace.

– Father McLaughlin

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