Archbishop Calls for Prayer, Extended Church Hours During
Iraq Hostilities “My dear brothers in Christ, “The news of recent days has made very clear that hostilities are likely to begin in Iraq. “Because the people of the Church of Newark, and people everywhere in our metropolitan area, have experienced firsthand the results of terror, the days and weeks ahead will be filled with uncertainty. Many bear the additional burden of having loved ones in the armed forces who may now be in harm’s way. So many of you labored to guide, comfort and support the people of the Church of Newark in the days and months after September 11, and I know that you will again work tirelessly to provide spiritual direction and a sense of peace to all who will turn to the Church at this time. “During this period of hostilities, I ask each of you to open your church to allow people of all faiths an opportunity to pray as possible during the day and in the evenings. I also ask you to schedule special liturgies to pray that God may grant us strength, and our nation’s leaders wisdom, in the days ahead. The Archdiocesan website, http://www.rcan.org (click on: The Way to Peace Resources – from the Bishops’ Conference Office on the Liturgy) provides a link for prayer services for peace, our troops and all victims. Also available on the website are sample petitions for the general intercessions. Please include at each Mass an intercession along these lines. Most especially, I ask that you encourage people to pray the Rosary daily, because the depth of this devotion, so strongly reinforced through the miracles at Fatima, can be a source of both healing and strength. “In a few weeks, we will gather at the Cathedral Basilica during the Chrism Mass. At that time, each of you will recommit yourself as a priest of the Archdiocese to your ordination promises. Your words and actions in the days ahead will be a strong and visible recommitment to your promise to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and his people here in Newark. I thank you for that. “Please know that, as you minister to the very critical needs of the people under your care, my prayers are with you.
With kindest personal regards, I am,
|
