Join us on Saturday, September 9 for our annual celebration of the Feast of the Empire of the Holy Ghost sponsored by the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society. 

The feast honors "the miracle of the roses.” Queen Isabel of Portugal was a devoted Roman Catholic with a special devotion to the Holy Spirit. She often disguised herself and delivered food to the poor which she was forbidden to do. One day she was on her way to deliver bread and was caught. When asked what was she carrying she replied roses. When she opened her robe, the bread had turned to roses. Hence, the miracle of the roses.

Queen Isabel was an example of devotion to God and charity to the poor. She was canonized by Pope Urban VIll in 1625.

Following the end of 4:00 p.m. Mass, we received a special blessing. The Crown, “Coroa" consists of three individual pieces, the Scepter, Plate, and Crown. The Scepter is accented with a dove, the symbol of the Holy Spirit whose love was so manifested in Queen Saint Isabel's life. The Plate serves as a stand for the Crown and represents the people. The Crown has a double significance.... first, it represents the supreme dominion of the Holy Spirit, and secondly the royalty of the Queen.

Dinner follows Mass at Spinelli’s. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting John Ribeiro at john_ribeiro@rcab.org