Call for Catholics and all people of good will to act in solidarity for an end to violence in the U.S. and worldwide on August 12, 14 and 15
The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci today issued a call for Catholics to engage in prayer and perform acts of repentance in response to the ongoing violence here in the U.S. and worldwide. Therefore I am calling on every Catholic in the Diocese of Manchester to engage in an act of solidarity in faith. We will not stand, but bow before God, in prayers and acts of atonement. I direct, in accordance with the teaching, governing and sanctifying office of the diocesan bishop, that:
1. Friday, August 12, 2016 is to be a day of fast and partial abstinence (meat may be eaten only at one meal), for all Catholics in solidarity of faith for reparation for the sins that have brought us to this deteriorating condition of war and civil unrest. These sins are many and personal and I ask everyone to join this communal penance to make amends and especially to pray for the conversion of hardened hearts. (For all persons between the ages of 18 and 59 and not otherwise unable to fast, one full meal and two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal may be taken. Meat is to be consumed only once that day, at the main meal.)
2. On Sunday, August 14, 2016, the Twentieth Sunday of Ordinary Time Catholic Mass prayers on this day are to be taken from Masses for Various Needs and Occasions: In Time of War or Civil Disturbance. Readings, however, are to be of the Sunday.
3. Monday, August 15, 2016, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary (a Holy Day in the Catholic Calendar)
A. Mass will be celebrated with the highest solemnity. Because the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary falls on a Monday this year, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated. However, I urge all Catholics to make every attempt to attend Mass that day regardless.
B. Saints Mary and Joseph will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9:45am to 3:00pm at Mary Queen of Peace Church, accompanied by recitation of the Rosary (Luminous Mysteries) and the Litany of Loreto (Litany of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary) and end with Benediction at 2:30pm Historically, the Rosary is prayed during times of war and unrest as a special appeal to the Virgin Mary for peace.
Bishop Libasci entrusts this action of solidarity with our Holy Father Pope Francis, with the bishops of Orlando, Dallas, and Baton Rouge, and with people of faith throughout the United States and the world for atonement, reparation and healing peace to us all in the sure and certain hope that God does not disappoint and will count this as a moment of blessing and deepest Mercy.