Gaylord, MI 49735 
Grow Our Spiritual Bouquet
for the Holy Father
Bishop Bernard Hebda will join the other bishops from the Provinces of Michigan and Ohio for an ad limina visit to Rome, February 1-6. The name of the visit comes from the Latin phrase ad limina apostolorum (to the thresholds of the Apostles) and refers to the pilgrimage to the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul that the bishops are required to make as part of the visit giving an account of their dioceses.
During the ad limina visit, Bishop Hebda will share with Pope Benedict XVI on the state of the diocese and present the "Quinquennial Report," a 100-page document covering the period of 2004-2010.
Bishop Hebda will also present a gift to the Holy Father which will include a Spiritual Bouquet from the faithful of the diocese. Everyone is invited to participate and to help "grow" our Spiritual Bouquet.
A Spiritual Bouquet generally consists of prayers or devotional acts that the giver offers for the recipient. They might include prayers, devotions, sacrifices or performing good deeds. The recipient is often given a card or item noting what has, or will be done, by the giver (which can be an individual or group).
The concept of spiritual bouquets harkens back to the faith and example of St. Therese of Lisieux who is often affectionately referred to as the “Little Flower”. St. Therese, a Carmelite nun, wrote in her memoir Story of A Soul, “I may aspire to sanctity in spite of my littleness...I will let no tiny sacrifice pass, no look, no word. I wish to profit by the smallest actions, and to do them for love. I wish to suffer for love’s sake, and for love’s sake even to rejoice: thus shall I strew flowers.”
Over the next two weeks (until January 28), you may use the form below to communicate how you will add to our Spiritual Bouquet for Pope Benedict XVI. We will then “arrange the flowers” by tabulating the prayers and sacrifices offered for the intentions of the Holy Father so that Bishop Hebda may present the gift on behalf of the Faithful of the Diocese of Gaylord while he is in Rome.
You may check as many of the options below as you wish and participate as an individual, family, parish or school. Please note: Names will not be listed publicly on this website. Those who would like to participate but do not have access to the Internet or someone to help them may call 989.705.3502 and follow the recorded directions.
May God bless you for your prayers for the Holy Father, for Bishop Hebda and for this year’s ad limina visit.
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