Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Someone recently remarked, “This has been the Lentiest Lent ever!” Perhaps to emphasize that point, our Bishop has asked that today be observed as a day of prayer and penance. I suggest we observe the same forms of penance and self-denial that we normally practice on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. With regard to prayer, you can pray the Stations of the Cross this evening or at noon. Another good prayer for today would be the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Morning prayer can include Psalm 51, one of the traditional penitential psalms. Today at 1pm Ohio time, you will be able to watch the Holy Father live from Rome as he prays for the world and imparts an extraordinary blessing Urbi et Orbi (to the City and to the world). In normal times this blessing would not be given until Easter Sunday. This broadcast will be hosted by Vatican news; here is a link for more details:
We continue to hear from those who have watched the Mass streamed live on Facebook and appreciate it very much. At the same time we know how greatly our hearts yearn for the day when we can again gather as the Body of Christ to celebrate the Eucharist together and receive Our Lord in Holy Communion. It is too early to say when this will happen, but we know that the day is coming in God’s good time. Perhaps we will spend the rest of Lent repeating one of the antiphons from the liturgy of the second week of Advent: The Lord will come; he is true to his word. If he seems to delay, keep watch for him, for he will surely come.
Sincerely Yours, in Christ, Fr. Thomas Buffer,Pastor