Dear Parishioner,
I hope you are coping in this strange, anxious time in our lives and that your loved ones are safe and well.
Although we cannot meet on Sundays, the worship of the Church goes on. I offer Mass every morning in my house. By reason of his office, every parish priest is obliged to offer Mass for his parishioners every Sunday. It is called the Missa pro Populo–Mass for the people. The same is true for every bishop, and even the Bishop of Rome himself, Pope Francis.
You will be aware that many priests stream their Mass every morning so that people can have Mass in an electronic form. I like to watch the services on EWTN, the Catholic channel. Among other services and programmes, they have Mass every day at 6 am, 12 noon and 6 pm.
While the Mass is the sacramental proclamation of the life, death and resurrection of the Lord, the Rosary is the non-sacramental proclamation of the same mysteries. When attendance at Mass is unavailable for whatever reason, Catholics turn to the recitation of the Rosary to meditate and proclaim the wonderful works of God.
I say the Rosary every day at 12 noon, together with a recitation of one of the beautiful litanies of the Church, litanies which help us turn to Almighty God as his beloved children seeking his mercy and comfort in these difficult times. I invite anyone who wishes to join me at that time, or at some other suitable time at his/her convenience. Those who prefer, could read and meditate on a passage of Sacred Scripture for 15 minutes or so. In this way, although unable to meet in Church, we can meet in the Lord and seek his mercy together. This is especially true for Sundays.
These days I often remember the Lord’s word to his rather apprehensive disciples :
“In the world you will endure suffering. But take courage. I have overcome the world ! “
He has indeed.
He is Risen.
Be of good heart.
”This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Alleluia “
Easter Joys, Graces and Blessings to you and your loved ones
Monsignor