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.

As the Season of Advent is coming upon us, I ask that you join me in a pious devotion that is prayed daily, from the feast of St. Andrew, November 30 until Christmas Eve, December 24 – the St. Andrew Christmas Novena, that is sometimes called the Christmas Anticipation Prayer. Others refer to it as the “Christmas Miracle Novena.” It is piously believed that whoever recites the short prayer fifteen times a day, from the feast of St. Andrew on November 30th until Christmas, will obtain what is asked!