Bishop Vasa's blog

Jesus is Lord! He is Risen! Let us rejoice and be glad! Easter! For some the relieved sigh is, “It’s about time!” for others perhaps, “Already?” is more appropriate. My own sense is that there is always room for Lenten Regrets. At Easter we are reminded of all the good things we intended to do during Lent. It was only a few short weeks ago that those glowing resolutions were seriously considered, decided upon and chosen.

24 Hours for the Lord – Friday and Saturday, March 4-5 One of the programs encouraged by Pope Francis to highlight the Year of Mercy is a block of time, 24 hours in fact, to be set aside in every Parish for a time of Adoration and especially for abundant opportunities to access the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I have sent to pastors a proposed outline for how this time could be utilized in the Diocese of Santa Rosa. For some parishes a full 24 hour, overnight adoration may not be feasible.

A Season of Great Grace From all external appearances this Lent is not different from any other Lent. It is the same forty days in length, it terminates in Easter, the Liturgical readings are the same as they have been in years past, the color of vestments is purple with the exception of occasional Feasts and that one Sunday when pink (actually Rose) colored vestments are worn. True the Season is the same but the year is different, especially this Jubilee Year of Mercy, and you are different as you move through this Lent. This is a season of great grace.

No Element of Abortion Aligns With Mercy The date of January 22 is a stark reminder for me of the prevalence of the taking of the lives of pre-born children in our country.