274 Photos from Assumption Day 2007

I have really labored with posting a few photos at a time for any particular event. It is terribly time intensive. One of our parishioners is working through another way to share more photos out of Assumption Grotto with everyone and for now, this was the quickest way for me to bring these to you.

These photos were all taken by me on August 15, 2007. There are more pictures of Assumption Day, taken by others. In a later post, I will share another album with those.

I would encourage setting the time span to 2 seconds per slide from 4 seconds. It makes a big difference




EDIT: You will recognize many of the photos from the Anointing of the Sick and Benediction in my slideshow video that I shared not too long ago. Here it is again for new comers.



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Grotto Video: Anointing & Benediction on Assumption Day

EDIT 8-23-2007: Video has been pulled from YouTube and has been uploaded to GodTube where we hope siteowners ensure we aren't led into exposure to videos that are displeasing to God. There was no way to block or control which videos were being "advertised" next to mine and some of them were quite inappropriate.

This is the first in a series of slide-show videos that I hope to bring you on Assumption Day 2007 at Assumption Grotto. This is not something I can do with frequency as it is highly labor and time intensive and it will be a week or two before I try to complete another segment.

I originally intended to put this up on GodTube.com - a service similar to YouTube.com, but without the trash. However, their upload service was down and I had no idea how long it would take to be available. I plan to eventually move there. Lesson Learned: Wait next time.

This roughly 3 minute video was not intended to be my first production. It was part of a longer, 6 minute clip which some of you seen when I brought my laptop to Grotto. This segment, which features the Sacrament of the Sick and Benediction which took place in the afternoon on August 15, 2007. It was so moving and so beautiful, it deserved to be pulled out so that it could stand alone.

SACRAMENTAL PHOTOSTORY
May it be a testimony for the Sacrament of the Sick, for Benediction and most of all, for our Eucharistic Lord. I wanted to capture this sacrament and the mercy and compassion with which it is given. The faces of the priests tell the story. I merely captured it.

I owe it all to the Blessed Mother and the holy angels who made everything fall right into place. The royalty-free music you will hear fell beautifully over the piece, with only minor adjustments needed here and there in timing.

I highly recommend hitting the pause button right after you click twice in the window to start it. Let the video load first (you'll see the red bar struggling along). When it is loaded, then press the play button and it will not be interrupted. Try to use the sound as it really boosts the overall quality of the piece.

COMMUNAL ANOINTING?

It was brought to my attention that people may mistakenly believe this was one of those communal type anointing services where everyone and their uncle gets anointed casually. Those of you who know Fr. Perrone and Assumption Grotto know this kind of thing would never happen.

At Assumption Grotto on August 15th - our feast day - the priests, lots of them, offer sacramental Confession before the Anointing of the Sick. It is announced over the PA by Fr. Perrone - the conditions for receiving this sacrament, one of which is to be in the state of grace. One cannot use the Sacrament in lieu of confession, if one is capable of confessing. It's different for someone who is comatose and dying. The person cannot confess.

Fr. Perrone listed several other conditions. Bottom line is that because you have an annoying hang-nail, you don't need to have the Sacrament of the Sick. But, if you are very elderly and frail, then you could meet criteria.



Bloggers, by all means, embed this video and give it exposure if you are so compelled after viewing it. The (updated) embed code for your html page can be found here. For those emailing, please send a direct link to this blogpost rather than the homepage. It can be found by clicking on the time-stamp at the bottom of the post and copying the URL.

Feedback in my combox, or at YouTube is welcome. Both are on moderation.

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May our prayers rise to God like the sweet smell of incense

This sequence of photos was captured during the 9:30am Latin Novus Ordo on August 15, 2007. I had not intended it to work out the way it did. I was originally intending to get one nice shot out of the lot not realizing it was perfect for a slow motion "movie".

I have worked this into the slideshow video that is nearly complete now. I have more work to do on it before I can put it out there and there are some people I need to speak with. Once I have this done, I would like to upload it for viewing. Then after the second half is done - the evening Mass & procession - I'll upload that and make a combination DVD of the two halves for those who want them. I am looking at having a viewing in the parish lounge following the 9:30 and Noon masses one Sunday because of the many who don't have or use computers. It also gives me an opportunity to hear from a broader audience which includes those who are not regular visitors to the blog.


PINNACLE STUDIO HELP STILL NEEDED

One thing I am wrestling with is the audio. The first 4 minutes of the now 6 minute video slideshow is the same tune looping. I would like to try to work something else in there to break up the cycle.

The work on the video slideshow has been labor intensive, primarily because of the learning curve involved with the Studio Pinnacle software I'm using.

One question I am still struggling with is whether I made a mistake when I chose lower resolution upon importing the pics into Studio. Will this be clear enough for the web. When I enlarge it on screen, it is fuzzy. I had hoped to produce something you could watch on full screen. Does anyone know if I can change this after the fact? You can comment here or email me at TeDeumBlog@aol.com.


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Assumption Day 2007: Photo Post 2

Yesterday I showed the beautiful chasuble in use on Assumption Day. Today, you get a gimpse of the matching altar dressing in use, as well. It still takes my breath away to see it in person each time it comes out. It conveys the majesty of the day.

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Photo Post 1: A Glorious Assumption Day at Assumption Grotto

Myself and Jeff Williams each have much work to do in preparing photos we took for use, but I can provide you with a glimpse of early-day pics I took at Assumption Grotto from yesterday. I have not even looked at the evening Mass pics because those are in a league of their own. As always, clicking on a pick normally results in a much larger view.

The old, majestic Assumption chasuble, reserved for use primarily on Assumption Day, awaits the priest who will wear it at the 9:30am Mass. It was used at all four Masses by the main celebrant of the 6:30am, 9:30am, Noon, and 7:00pm Mass

A priest of Opus Angelorum during Elevation at the 9:30am Latin Novus Ordo.

Another priest of Opus Angelorum, wearing the Assumption chasuble, waits with altar boys at the opening to the grotto cemetery for the Noon Mass to begin. Standing next to him is Fr. Perrone. Petitions people brought with them, to be included in the evening Mass, were dropped into the box to the right of the priest.

One of our Assumption Grotto Knights of Columbus, Lenny, holds the microphone for a little girl during the Living Rosary in the early afternoon. It took place during adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, seen in the background within the grotto sanctuary. This style of Living Rosary is where people volunteer one-by-one (rotating) to recite the first half of each Hail Mary while those in attendance pray the other half.

Fr. Perrone heads back to the grotto sanctuary following the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.

Grotto's pastor, Fr. Eduard Perrone, during Benediction following Anointing of the Sick in the afternoon. The look of absolute serenity on his face as he holds Our Lord in the monstrance gives witness to the Real Presence.

I must get to work now so that I can bring you more.

Deo Gratias!

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Solemnity: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

It is the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - a holy day of obligation for Catholics. Please, go to Mass today and if you are local, come to Assumption Grotto.

Details are here.

Shuttle service is from St. Veronica's this year.


Catholic Answers Article: How to Argue for Mary's Assumption






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SHUTTLE SERVICE from ST. VERONICA

Altar boys bowing during a segment of the Creed during Assumption Day Mass last year

This is very important for those of you who ordinarily take the shuttle to Grotto due to logistics and lack of parking. Don't go to De LaSalle this year because there are no shuttles there. You can pick them up at St. Veronica's.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

More on Assumption Day at Assumption Grotto

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And, what are you doing on Assumption Day?

Candles are laid out all day long by pilgrims visiting Assumption Grotto on Assumption Day starting early in the morning up until the 7:00pm Mass. They will burn until the Queenship of Mary

Another teaser to entice those within driving distance to come to Assumption Grotto on Assumption Day. The highlight of the day is the 7:00pm Mass so even if you work during the day, perhaps you can take in Mass with us.

Here's the scoop though...

You either want to get there around 4:30/5:00 to park at Grotto or, you should park at St. Veronica just off of Gratiot, and north of 8 mile and take the shuttle.

Click here to see details of shuttle service and schedule for the day.

Candle holders with the words to one of the most well-known Marian songs, used during the evening candlelight procession

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Come to Assumption Grotto on Assumption Day!

Fr. Perrone, the pastor of Assumption Grotto, lifts the Body of Christ during the 9:30am Latin Novus Ordo Mass on August 15th, 2006. This is the newer form of the Roman Rite which is celebrated throughout the world, but celebrated in Latin, with Chant, and ad orientem (priest and people facing the Lord together).

I will be dropping reminders here periodically for the feast of the Assumption. Assumption Grotto is the place to be on Assumption Day - August 15th!

This August 15th of 2007 is a very special Assumption Feast Day for our parish. It's not just because it is the name our parish bears. It's also because this year is our 175th anniversary as a parish. How many parishes in Detroit, or the US for that matter, can claim to have been around that long! (I can hear my UK and European readers laughing across the pond as they worship in churches that are so old they make 175 look young).

If you are in metro Detroit and can take a day off on this holy Day of obligation, consider spending it in a day of devotions on a spiritual pilgrimage to our parish. Or, if you are local and have the evening free, do come for the 7:00pm Mass. I also encourage those who would have to travel. Get a carpool together or arrange for a bus. (More info below on bus parking below).

It is important to note that parking is a logistics nightmare for an event this big. It is probably not a good idea to park on surrounding side streets. Security guards will be watching cars in the lots, but any cars parked in the neighborhood, well....you don't want to just park anywhere.

SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST 15TH, 2007

Masses:

• 6:30 a.m. in the Church
  
• 9:30 a.m. in the Church (Consecration to Mary follows)
  
• 12:00 Noon at the outdoor Grotto (Miraculous Medal Talk & Enrollment Follows)
  
• 7:00 p.m. at the Grotto (the most popular)


Bishop John Quinn, Bishop Daniel Flores & Fr. Eduard Perrone Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, Lourdes Candlelight Procession after Mass (click to enlarge pics below).

OTHER DEVOTIONAL EVENTS & SACRAMENTS

• Confessions: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 & 3:45 p.m.
  
• Rosary: 9:00, 11:00 a.m.
  
• Stations of the Cross: 2:00 p.m.
  
• Living Rosary & Blessing of the Sick
  
• 3:00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament,
  
• Living Rosary, Blessing of the Sick and Benedictionat the Grotto
  
• Blessing of Herbs: 4:00 p.m. Shrine
  
• Consecration to Mary 5:00 p.m. in the Church

About half of the people in attendance at the outdoor Noon Mass are seen here - August 15th, 2006.

ABOUT THE BISHOPS

Bishop Daniel E. Flores, S.T.D. is the newest Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit. He attended the University of Texas at Austin for two years prior to entering the seminary in 1981. He graduated from the University of Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1983 and a Master of Divinity in 1987. He was ordained to the priesthood in January 1988. He completed a doctoral degree in the theology of St. Thomas Aquinas at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in 2000.

Bishop John Michael Quinn - Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Detroit is a member of the Call to Holiness Advisory Board. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 17, 1972 and ordained Bishop August 12, 2003. Bishop Quinn holds a B.A. in philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit; a Master of Divinity from St. John’s Provincial Seminary, Plymouth; Masters degrees in Religious Studies and in Systematic Theology from the University of Detroit - Mercy.

ABOUT THE PASTOR

Fr. Eduard Perrone, Pastor of Assumption Grotto Church, parishioners and staff are honored to have Bishop Flores and Bishop Quinn at our special 175th Jubilee Year event celebration, Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2007.

OTHER EVENTS FORTHCOMING

You may also be interested in other events for our 175th anniversary, which are also the kinds of things you might find throughout any year at Grotto. This includes our Fatima Devotions which occur on the 13th of each month from May through October. This coming August 13th will feature Fr. Val Rykowski, who is a familiar face at Sts Cyril & Methodius, where parishioners are graced with this fine priest. You have to see him celebrate Mass sometime and I can almost guarantee you will be moved to tears as you witness his passion for the sacrifice of the Mass.

BUSES

** For information on bus parking and the shuttle bus schedule please call the rectory office at 313-372-0762 or the Shrine Office at 313-332-4432.

NEW: Shuttle bus schedule has been posted here.

Candles put out by pilgrims throughout the day are aglow before the grotto where they will remain until the Queenship of Mary, on August 22, 2007.

MORE PHOTOS

See the photos in this final photo post of Assumption 2006 and scroll down for links to 22 other stunning photo posts from the day (around 80 pics in all).

A FINAL NOTE

Get this book!!! There are over 70 pages of references in this short book with just 4 chapters and it is an excellent book. I'm only in Chapter 1 and hooked. Dr. Edward Sri goes through Scripture and leads us right into the thoughts of the Fathers of the Church, the saints, the popes and more. It will deepen your understanding of Mary's Queenship.

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