Claiming Jesus’ Triumph over Sin and Evil: a Pledge to Pray

 
In the Easter Season, we celebrate Jesus’ triumph over death and sin, saving us from the power of these enemies. We read in John 3:16-17: “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” This is sometimes called the Gospel in miniature - the heart of our Christian faith!

Sadly, not everyone shares our faith in Jesus Christ, and some even side with the Enemy. There is a satanic temple in Salem that has decided to host a major conference of satanists in Boston next weekend, called “Satancon 2023,” which they claim is a sold-out event. Cardinal Seán and his Vicar General, Bishop Mark O’Connell, have developed a plan for our response as Catholics that takes this event seriously but does not bring additional publicity to this negative event. They said, “Our response must be balanced and focused on prayer. The balance is between countering its intended evil effects, and, drawing attention to it and making it more prominent. To that end, we ask you to not organize or encourage any of your parishioners to go to the event to protest. It will only fuel the hate of those who support it and feed the media with images. Rather than protesting in person, we hope to storm the Heavens with prayer.”

To that end, I am inviting you to join me and thousands of Catholics throughout our Archdiocese of Boston as we unite in praying the Rosary each day of the three-day conference: April 28-30. We hope to have prayer cards in the pews this weekend for you to use as a reminder and a way of committing to this powerful time of prayer. St. Padre Pio said, “The Rosary is the weapon for these times.” Even if you do not find the Rosary your favorite way of praying, I ask you to consider it as a way for us to be united in prayer at this time. Otherwise substitute another form of prayer, but please join us in praying each day. If you wish to do something in addition to private prayer, check our website during this week for updated information on places with prayer vigils and other ideas (places located in our area are listed on pages 7 & 8).

As parishes, we are also being vigilant during this time to make sure we protect the sanctity of the Eucharist, which satanists can try to steal for desecration. You may have noticed some parishioners have been designated to watch as people receive Communion. For the most part, they are there to remind people to consume the host near the altar, before they return to the pew. Thank you for your understanding as they are just responding to my request and trying to be helpful.