Archbishop Aymond Designates March 27 a Day of Prayer and Fasting

March 19, 2020
Feast of St. Joseph
 
To: Clergy, Religious and Laity in the Archdiocese of New Orleans

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

As COVID-19 continues, we will miss Mass on Sunday and hunger for the Eucharist. God understands our hunger and offers us the opportunity for a “Spiritual Communion” (prayer below). Be reminded that many parishes are “live streaming” the Mass. We are doing the same at the Cathedral.

The Cathedral Masses are at 12:05 p.m. Monday – Friday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. We are grateful for the generous services of WLAE in the midst of this crisis.

For all of us, there have been significant interruption in our lives and there is fear and anxiety. Please join me in bringing those feelings to the Lord as we say “Lord into your hands, I place my life, I trust in you.”

Please know that our priests, deacons, religious and many lay ministers are available for pastoral care. Please call your pastor with any specific needs.

I am calling for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on next Friday, March 27, 2020. Please spend additional time in prayer seeking God’s healing and compassion in this crisis. Also, we can fast from whatever we wish.

Say to the Lord as we are hungry – I hunger for you more than I hunger for food, social media, spending time with others, etc.

Be assured of my prayers daily and a remembrance at Mass. God is faithful and, in his time, and his way we will come to experience healing and peace. We must wait patiently which is no easy task.

Please remember all who have died in this COVID-19 outbreak, those ill because of the virus and our protection.

St. Joseph, pray for us.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.
 
United with you in prayer, I am

Sincerely in Christ,

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans

Spiritual Communion:
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most
Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I
desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now
receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually
into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already
there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit
me to be separated from You. Amen.
St. Alphonsus Liguori