In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with clinical counselor and school speaker Julane Fisher about the challenges facing kids today with school and social media, and we review her award-winning novels that affirm positive youth values and identities.
Dear friends in Christ,
The Archdiocese of Boston has recently noted that the “Satancon” convention will be held in Boston from April 28-30 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The organizers of this convention are billing it as “the largest satanic gathering in history.”
It is sad to witness that there are people who find satisfaction in celebrating the power of evil in the world. Perhaps they have never experienced the sense of joy and the power of redemption that we find in this Easter Season. We are a people of hope, thanks to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, who offers all believers the path to life eternal in the loving embrace of God.
By baptism we are called to be witnesses to the Good News, in particular in light of this Satancon event. Let us remember that our power to combat evil lies in the power of prayer. To that end, I join my voice to that of Cardinal O’Malley in asking that we not organize or encourage any 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.
We should not, however, stand by idly and feel powerless. Let us storm the heavens with prayer, in anticipation of and during the event. Pause at any time during the days ahead and petition God to enlighten those who are calling on the prince of darkness to turn toward the light of his saving power. Use formal prayers, such as the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel or pray the rosary, or simply use your own words. God will hear you if you simply call on him.
I ask pastors to be especially vigilant during the month of April during the distribution of holy Communion. If necessary, remind people that they should be consuming the sacred species immediately, to assure that the Blessed Sacrament is not being carried off for nefarious use.A petition for use during the Prayers of the Faithful for the weekend before and during the event will follow in a subsequent communication.
Join me in reciting The Prayer of Saint Michael, in particular during this month:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
With every prayerful best wish, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ.
Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester
The first of two special shows where Peter will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with the intention of prayer for those part of SatanCon in Boston. He also reads the letter from Bishop McManus on the subject that was distributed to all parishes in the Worcester Diocese: https://catholicfreepress.org/news/bishop-calls-on-people-to-storm-the-heavens-with-prayers-to-combat-evil-of-satancon
Fr Edmund Nardoly, who puts up all the Divine Mercy billboards, shares his story with us on Local Matters. He hopes to come here when we install the Divine Mercy Images on our churches.
In this episode, Antony Barone Kolenc speaks with editor, author, and lecturer Gary Jansen about developing spiritual practices in little steps with our youth, and we review his award-winning family picture book, Remember Us With Smiles.
