My dear friends in Christ,
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. Our Holy Father has asked that we all encourage our Clergy and Faithful to pray the Rosary to protect The Church from the devil’s attacks in these troubled times of crisis. He also encouraged praying the ancient Marian prayer “Sub Tuum Praesidium”: We fly to Thy protection, O Holy Mother of God; Do not despise our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O Glorious and Blessed Virgin. Amen.
Pope Francis also encouraged restoring the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel to our public and private prayers: St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May our God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
October is also Respect Life Month with October 7 being “Respect Life Sunday.” As Catholics we believe that every life is sacred, from the moment of conception until natural death. Every person is made in the image and likeness of God and so each and every person has inherent dignity. October 14 is the kickoff Sunday for the Diocesan Year of Youth. We pray for all our young people as they continue their faith journey with the Lord.
On Monday, October 15, the Trenton Chapter of NPM will host Taize Prayer services across the Diocese for the healing of all Victims of Abuse and the Sanctification and renewal of our Bishops and Priests. This event will take place here at Corpus Christi Church at 7:30 PM.
May God bless you all!
Father John