As Holy Week and Easter approach, many of us are feeling hopeful anticipation and a sense of gratitude for the ability to share in the spiritually moving days ahead. Turn to the latest issue of The Monitor Magazine for the information and inspiration you need to make the experience even more special in our parish communities and our homes.
Consult the overview of Holy Week to reflect on the meaning of each day’s rituals and commemoration. Be sure to check out the Easter message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and a look back at past Easter themes from Pope Francis focusing on “love, presence and beginning ‘anew.’”
We also revisit a teaching from Bishop O’Connell on the value of Confession with “Frequently Asked Questions,” and a set of suggestions for making “a good, integral Confession.” And we explore the theme of forgiveness which was the focus for the recent “24 Hours for the Lord,” held in 13 parishes around the Diocese.
We recommend the story on Station Churches, in which 14 parishes in Mercer County invited visitors to learn more about their churches and history. And we haven’t left out the subject of food, including a recipe in this issue for Ukrainian Green Soup for Holy Thursday, and a Lenten video cooking series in which several of our own priests share recipes and culinary talents with viewers.
The war in Ukraine is again a major focus in this latest issue, especially the many ways that the people of the Diocese prayed for peace. Watch for the special report on Bishop O’Connell consecrating all of humanity, especially the countries of Ukraine and Russia, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
You’ll want to catch up on other recent happenings in the Diocese, including: vThe spiritual journeys of hundreds in the Diocese who are seeking full communion in the Church this year; vYoung Adult Retreat; vPride in Priests Dinner; vFuneral of Father James Sauchelli; vMount Carmel Guild Founders’ Day Mass; vLocal celebrations of St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Days; vHigh school plays take back the stage.
Also, look for information for several major upcoming events, including: vPreparations for the diocesan Eucharistic Revival; vReception of a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis; v500th Anniversary celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines.
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All of us who work on this labor of love each month are profoundly grateful for you, our reader, and wish for you and your family a truly beautiful and fulfilling celebration of Holy Week and Easter. May God bless you.
Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team