“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:7 – 14 – the Gospel for May 2 daily Mass – is “The Boss telling us who He is,” said Michigan Area chaplain Fr. John Maksym, ChD.

Fr. Maksym was the celebrant and homilist at the Area’s May 2 First Saturday, which was part of the Area’s annual symposium, held this year at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. See “‘Human Flourishing’” is focus of Michigan Area’s annual symposium.”

Noting Jesus’ emphasis on his followers doing “the works that I do, and … greater ones than these,” Fr. Maksym noted that the call to “works of service and mercy” is central to the Order’s charism. “I will never give a homily to you folks that I do not remind you of that obligation,” he told Area members.

Fr. Maksym also shared reflections on the mysteries of the Rosary. In keeping with the Area’s practice of the full First Saturday devotion, members prayed the Rosary, led by Stanley Sedore, KM.

Readings at Mass were proclaimed by Dr. Paul O’Leary, KM, and Dr. Cathy Stark, DM. Dan Fraterelli, KM, offered the Prayers of the Faithful. At the conclusion of Mass, Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, led the members in the Order’s Daily Prayer.

Confessions were heard by Fr. Maksym and by priests of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of the Province of St. Joseph; the Solanus Casey Center is a ministry of the Friars. Named for Blessed Solanus Casey, a Capuchin priest known for his compassion and miraculous healings, the Center houses Bl. Solanus’ remains and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.

The Solanus Casey Center has been designated a pilgrimage site for the Franciscan Jubilee Year (January 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027), which marks the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi. In welcoming Michigan Area members to the Center, Brother Michael Bertram, OFM Cap., explained that those who visit a Franciscan conventual church or place of worship during the Jubilee Year may receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, reception of the Eucharist, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father).

The Michigan Area’s next First Saturday will be included as part of the American Association’s Summer Retreat, June 5 – 7, at the Weber Retreat and Conference Center in Adrian, Michigan. H. E. Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron, GCChC, Archbishop Emeritus of Detroit, will serve as retreat master. The retreat theme is “Living the Charisms of the Order.” For more information and to register, visit https://orderofmaltaamerican.org/members/member-retreats/.

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