This month’s cover depicting Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine’s upper church filled with pilgrims from the Diocese starts off special coverage by The Monitor of an extraordinary month for our local Church.
The diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage of Hope — which drew some 2,000 pilgrims to the shrine in Doylestown, Pa., Sept. 13 — was one of two major events in the last month that brought the faithful together to pray, reflect and build community. Our special section on the Pilgrimage of Hope captures the day-long event, which Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., described in his homily as a “Sacred Interruption.”
On Sept. 25 another opportunity to gather in witness of God’s love unfolded at the second annual Mass for Life. More than 1,000 faithful, hailing from the Diocese of Trenton and the other four (arch)dioceses of New Jersey, filled St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton to capacity for a Mass celebrated by multiple bishops, dozens of priests and individuals of all ages who believe in the sanctity of all human life. Look for special reporting and lots of photos on the Mass as well as the Rally and March that followed.
We’re happy to say that Bishop O’Connell has written several compelling pieces for the October issue, including ‘The Limp of Grace’: Some pastoral reflections on disabilities. In it, he shares his own story of living with a disability following the amputation of his left leg 10 years ago. To those with disabilities, the Bishop counseled: “You are not alone. Do not give in to discouragement or despair.” To the members of the community, Bishop O’Connell urges, “Be places of radical welcome” for those with disabilities.
Picking up on October’s dual emphasis on the Month of the Rosary and Respect Life Month, Bishop O’Connell also encourages readers to take time this month to revisit their dedication to this prayer experience. He reminds us that “the Rosary is a powerful prayer for the protection of the unborn, the vulnerable, the suffering, the victims of violence and war and the dying. It is a prayer for the conversion of hearts and the healing of our culture.”
And finally, the Bishop offers an analysis of Church teaching as it pertains to the practice of “human composting,” which New Jersey just signed into law in September.
Other special sections and coverage packages:
The Monitor introduces the nine men who are expected to be ordained deacons for the Diocese next month. We hope you will spend a few minutes getting to know their stories and pray for them as they embark on these final weeks before they reach this milestone Nov. 15.
- Looking for a great Catholic high school for your child or grandchild? Be sure to check out the annual HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE, offering capsule profiles of each Catholic high school in the Diocese of Trenton.
- Ahead of WORLD MISSION SUNDAY on Oct. 19, readers will find a comprehensive report on the activities of the Diocese’s Office of Missions and an update from Father Peter James Alindogan, diocesan Missions director.
- There is far too much content to mention it all. But to name just a few key pieces . . . look for guidance from the New Jersey Catholic bishops on faithful citizenship as elections approach; messages from Catholic leaders, including Bishop O’Connell, on responding to political violence and more important advice on prioritizing mental health and getting help for those who need it.
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The October issue officially begins the seventh year of publication for The Monitor Magazine. We thank all of our loyal readers and ask you to help us build our reach by sharing this content and encouraging others to subscribe.
Please pray with us as the diocesan family prepares for another extraordinary month in this local Church. God bless.
Rayanne Bennett
Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team