Truth & Mercy Series - August 16th 2026

Truth & Mercy Series: St. Philomena

This last weekend watching over 130 youth arrive at the doors of our parish was very heartwarming. They had chosen to spend the next almost 72 hours of their lives with us. We had agreed with Jesus that we had “something to feed them with”. We were hosting the 4th annual St. Philomena Academy Youth Camp. There was excitement in the air. Parents were dropping off their children with enthusiastic volunteers, who could not wait to show Catholic hospitality to these young people and to assure them it was the best decision of their lives to be Catholic and to live that way without shame. 

Indeed, the Bishop of our diocese, (Bishop Denis Walsh) made it clear in his Sunday homily when he said, “Be Bold, Be Courageous, Be Catholic.” It was a packed Church. We nearly ran out of Holy Communion Hosts because it was almost difficult to keep up. It was one problem I would love to have every Sunday. The young people were filled with God’s holy words all weekend, culminating in the Consecration to Jesus through Mary after Holy Communion. Hearing the voices of the next generation of Catholics entrusting themselves to the motherly care and protection of the Queen of Heaven and having Her be their Mother was truly a delight. Mother Mary will watch over them, care for them, grant them graces they need all through life. She will nurture them and provide for all their spiritual and material needs like every loving mother, but more than that. She will be the celestial Mother to them. In the storms and trials of life, they can trust in Her presence and intervention with Her Son. 

I want to heartily thank all our volunteers and parishioners who made huge sacrifices to make this weekend so beautiful and fruitful for all the families and the young people. I am grateful for all the religious sisters and priests who gave talks and were present with these young people. You can’t imagine the comradery and quality time spent with them and the questions being posed to the sisters and priests. The camp fire night is usually lit. How about quiet time in adoration and for the entire young people to go to confession in the hands of 9 priests who showed up to bring the mercy of God to all the young people. Our hearts are grateful to all our Knights from Holy Family and St. Ann’s in Long Grove. The Knights of St. Ann fed over 250 people at the Sunday lunch. Gratitude goes to the Legion of Mary group, families who donated meals and foods, the entire crew for set up and tear down. Special thanks to our great chefs Kelly, Jane, and others who volunteered to prepare all the meals. It is impossible to run this camp without several meetings of the board of St. Philomena led by our able executive director Catherine Hamling and her husband David, and children. Special thanks to all those who offered prayers, sacrifices, penance, and fasting to make this camp successful.

 Aside from the theology of the body talks, we also had the St. Joseph’s workshops. Here the young people through the careful and mentorship of Bill Cummins (Steven) made individual “altars” for themselves. They made symbolic churches for themselves. They took home their altar where they will offer prayers for personal intentions and other intentions. They also made “Bracelets” with bible quotes on them. These were carefully prepared by Jody, Noreen, and Molly. This camp ensured that body and soul were fed. It ensured that it is holistic. They also had special care packages for the “Women’s choice” center as goodie bags were prepared for them as donations. These are seeds of FAITH for this and future generations. It will definitely bear fruit. Amen 

In union of prayers

Fr. Nicholas Akindele, JCL