I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Job. The Book of Job is part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, classified as wisdom literature. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and prosperous man from the land of Uz, who becomes the focus of a challenge between God and an adversary (the satan).
If you would like t... moreDear Templar Brothers and Sisters,
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Job. The Book of Job is part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, classified as wisdom literature. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and prosperous man from the land of Uz, who becomes the focus of a challenge between God and an adversary (the satan).
September 11, 2001 changed everything for so many of us. The shock and sadness of that morning still linger—as fresh as the memories of where we were, what we saw, and who we longed to hear from amidst the confusion and fear.
Thousands were lost that day, and thousands more in the years that followed. The pain of those moments—whether shared in flashes on the news or absorbed in the quiet mourning of families—remains, in scars that are visible to some, hidden to others, yet always present.
Tod... moreSeptember 11, 2001 changed everything for so many of us. The shock and sadness of that morning still linger—as fresh as the memories of where we were, what we saw, and who we longed to hear from amidst the confusion and fear.
Thousands were lost that day, and thousands more in the years that followed. The pain of those moments—whether shared in flashes on the news or absorbed in the quiet mourning of families—remains, in scars that are visible to some, hidden to others, yet always present.
Today, as I remember those who perished twenty-four years ago, I pray God’s blessing upon their families and ask for gentle comfort for all who continue to mourn. May the souls of those who gave so much for liberty and justice find peace, and may we never forget the weight of their sacrifice.
Please forgive my recent distance from the Order. I have been grieving deeply over the past couple of weeks and have withdrawn into solitude.
I have been reflecting on two recent losses at work, as well as the anniversaries of the memorial losses of my mother—40 years today—and my fiancé and daughter, who were all tragically taken by gun violence 30 years ago on August 31.
Today marks 40 years since you were taken off life support. I cannot help but wonder what life would have been like for m... morePlease forgive my recent distance from the Order. I have been grieving deeply over the past couple of weeks and have withdrawn into solitude.
I have been reflecting on two recent losses at work, as well as the anniversaries of the memorial losses of my mother—40 years today—and my fiancé and daughter, who were all tragically taken by gun violence 30 years ago on August 31.
Today marks 40 years since you were taken off life support. I cannot help but wonder what life would have been like for me if you were alive, if you had never opened the door on that tragic day. To think you opened that door of the apartment, and death stood there to take you. She was removed from life support on September 4, 1985 at noon.
My maternal grandmother raised me and i witnessed her cry everyday as she did her rosary for the repose of my mother’s soul and to petition for justice. My dear grandmother took her last breath on September 4, 2015 at noon.
To die at the age of 30 was an injustice, as you never had the opportunity to see your children grow or have the chance to meet your grandchildren. I will continue to strive for you to be proud of me, and do everything in my power to ensure all your grandchildren are well. I will continue to pray for the repose of your soul, my dear mother and abuelita!
Sometimes, I feel like Job, and many of us have shared that experience.
Please pray for me as I pray for you 🙏🏻
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
A Templar Prayer of Strength and Service
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal God and loving Savior,
Grant me the courage to stand firm in faith,
The strength to serve others with a humble heart,
And the wisdom to follow Your holy will in all things.
May Your grace protect me in times of trial,
And Your light guide my steps along the path of righteousness.
Arm me with the shield of faith and the sword of truth,
That I might be a faithful servant and defender of Your kingdom.
Bless my brothers and... moreA Templar Prayer of Strength and Service
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal God and loving Savior,
Grant me the courage to stand firm in faith,
The strength to serve others with a humble heart,
And the wisdom to follow Your holy will in all things.
May Your grace protect me in times of trial,
And Your light guide my steps along the path of righteousness.
Arm me with the shield of faith and the sword of truth,
That I might be a faithful servant and defender of Your kingdom.
Bless my brothers and sisters in Christ,
Bind us together in unity, loyalty, and love,
That we may support one another in perseverance and prayer,
And share Your mercy with all in need.
Keep me steadfast in my vows,
Pure in thought, word, and deed,
That my life may be a beacon of hope and justice,
Reflecting Your glory and grace every day.
We do not seek earthly reward, but the eternal crown.
May Your Holy Spirit kindle in me a fire of devotion,
To live boldly and faithfully as a true warrior of Christ.
Amen.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Job. The Book of Job is part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, classified as wisdom literature. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and prosperous man from the land of Uz, who becomes the focus of a challenge between God and an adversary (the satan).
If you would like to a... moreDear Templar Brothers and Sisters,
I want to remind you about our upcoming OMSDT Bible Study session, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST.
During this session, we will discuss the Book of Job. The Book of Job is part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, classified as wisdom literature. It tells the story of Job, a righteous and prosperous man from the land of Uz, who becomes the focus of a challenge between God and an adversary (the satan).
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture do... moreAugust 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture do... moreAugust 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However by the 13th century there was universal agreement. The feast was celebrated under various names—Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, Assumption—from at least the fifth or sixth century. Today it is celebrated as a solemnity.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul speaks of Christ’s resurrection as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to believe in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55) with new meaning. In her glory she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God her savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
August 15: Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In following centuries, the Eastern Churches held steadily...
_O Lord, Almighty and Eternal,
Commander of Heaven’s hosts,
grant me the strength to bear the weight of my vows.
Let my sword defend the innocent,
and my shield stand firm against the darkness.
In times of trial, steel my heart with courage,
and keep my soul steadfast in Your truth.
May my faith be as unshakable as the walls of Your Holy City,
and my spirit as pure as the Lamb who redeems us.
Guide my steps on the narrow path,
that I may serve You with honor,
fight with justice,
and ... more_O Lord, Almighty and Eternal,
Commander of Heaven’s hosts,
grant me the strength to bear the weight of my vows.
Let my sword defend the innocent,
and my shield stand firm against the darkness.
In times of trial, steel my heart with courage,
and keep my soul steadfast in Your truth.
May my faith be as unshakable as the walls of Your Holy City,
and my spirit as pure as the Lamb who redeems us.
Guide my steps on the narrow path,
that I may serve You with honor,
fight with justice,
and walk humbly in Your light until my last breath.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
GC John Kelmy
KCP, Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
