US Bishops to reconsecrate our country to Mary, Mother of the Church I will be leading our diocese in a reconsecration liturgy on Friday, May 1 at 11 a.m. Please join me by watching the liturgy on our website at www.diocesetucson.org. Archbishop José Gomez, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and leader of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, will lead the USCCB’s liturgy immediately following ours, beginning at Noon on Friday 1. You can view the livestreaming of at http://www.usccb.org/consecration or at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website at https://lacatholics.org/consecration . If you like, you can download a worship aid for the USCCB liturgy at http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/consecration.cfm .
A vandal used rocks to break treasured stained-glass windows at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday evening. The same person is suspected of also breaking windows at the nearby Marist College Apartments, located at the back of Cathedral Square, 192 S. Stone Ave. In addition, windows on three cars in the apartment building parking lot, and the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) van also were broken Monday evening. FSL operates the apartments.
Immaculate Heart Sister Blanche Marie, died peacefully April 30. She was 93. Sister Blanche has been in hospice care for a long time. Throughout her illness at St. Anne’s Convent, she always had a smile for anyone who spent time with her. She was born in Arizona and spent most of her years of ministry in Tucson as a school nurse or teacher of Religion and Science at the Immaculate Heart Academy and Immaculate Heart High School. Masses will be offered in her honor privately.
You may recall that circumstances created by the pandemic led to our diocese having to furlough, with reduced or no work hours, 23 of the 50 employees of our Pastoral Center staff. I am writing to share some very good news with you. Our filing for a small business forgivable loan, through the $2 trillion dollar CARES Act, has been granted for the Diocese of Tucson . . . as of Monday we are restoring all employees to their former salary levels.
Latin American and Caribbean bishops have dedicated the Americas to the care of Our Lady of Guadalupe, praying for her "maternal protection" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At this time, we find ourselves poised to contemplate Holy Thursday, followed by the Triduum. These are the holiest of days in our faith; days that remind us of the sacrifices of Jesus that lead to His resurrection and the promise of victory over death.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is calling for a day of fasting and prayer for their worldwide membership on Good Friday, and invited other faith members to also join in prayer for the end of COVID-19, for the work of caregivers, for a return to everyday life and other blessings. Bishop Weisenburger encourages participation.
Friday’s Way of the Cross written for Pope Francis by prisoners, victims and their families is a powerful reflection on suffering, grace and forgiveness.
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Church has had a long tradition of calling on saints and praying for their intercession in sickness and difficult times. By Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
Palm Sunday is April 5. There will be no palm distribution at parishes within the Diocese. Instead, please consider participating in Mass online with Bishop Weisenburger at diocesetucson.org, then reciting the prayer within this Update before a crucifix with your family.