Year of the Eucharist is focus of Fatima Days of Recollection

May 19, 2005

The Year of the Eucharist was the focal point of the days of recollection that were sponsored by the diocesan chapter of the World Apostolate of Fatima on April 29 and 30 in Sioux City. The event was also used as a time to reflect upon the message of Fatima in this troubled world.

Father David Hemann, pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove and Our Lady of Good Counsel in Holstein, inspired the participants with his songs and stories of his spiritual journey and the Eucharist at his presentation held at St. Joseph Church on Friday evening.

His presentation was followed by an hour of adoration led by Father John McGuirk, the spiritual director of the Diocesan Fatima Apostolate and pastor at St. Martin Church of Odebolt and St. Joseph Church of Wall Lake. Assisting at the adoration was Father Eriberto Costa of Storm Lake.

About 116 people attended the Friday presentation and adoration.

Why the message of Fatima is so important in these troubled times was explained briefly on both days by Marge Stanek, diocesan treasurer and member of the apostolate. She spoke of the spiritual link between the death of Sister Lucia - who witnessed the apparition of Mary in 1917 - and Pope John Paul II's death. She explained how their lives were bonded, especially since the assassin's attempt on the late pope's life on May 13, 1981. Sister Lucia had revealed that event as the third secret of Fatima. Also both of them died in the Year of the Eucharist.

On Saturday, at Trinity Heights' Marian Center, Father Raymond Wieling, a retired priest of the diocese who resides in Sioux City, gave a talk on the Angel of Peace and the Eucharist. The video, I am the Living Bread, was played, followed by Mass that was concelebrated by Father McGuirk and Father Wieling. Deacon Bill Berger was the deacon of the Mass. Donna Pinney was organist for the celebration and Matt Ricke was the cantor.

A business meeting was held after lunch. New officers were elected: President Lynne Wetzel of Sioux City, Vice President Shirley Kennedy of Hinton, Secretary Julia Behm of Alta and Treasurer Marge Stanek of Sioux City. The outgoing officers - President Mary Margaret Sudbeck, Vice President Mary Ann Wente and Secretary Mary Jane Anderson were thanked for their past four years of service. Stanek had been the treasurer and will continue in that capacity.

The afternoon concluded with a rosary led by Father Raymond Wieling.