On the first Saturday of February, members of the Philadelphia Area, gathered for the Saturday Salve Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Mercy at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Overbrook, Philadelphia. Father Michael Phelan, O. de M., pastor, served as the principal celebrant.

Following Holy Mass, members enjoyed a light breakfast and discussed several upcoming Lenten activities. As this month’s service project, the group prepared Blessing Bags to support those in need. Half of the bags contained winter essentials—warm hats, scarves, gloves, and socks—while the others were filled with toiletries and nourishment, including soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, combs, lip balm, granola bars, and protein bars.

These Blessing Bags were delivered to the local Missionaries of Charity, whose sisters faithfully serve some of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. The sisters make thoughtful and generous use of each bag, distributing them as gifts to those they assist. Members of the Philadelphia Area are deeply humbled to support their mission and grateful for the sisters’ trusted presence within the community.