GOOD FRIDAY CROSSWALK/PRAYER VIGIL/LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS IN CENTER CITY

Philly Youth Philly are gearing up for another Holy Week. Last year, they were in awe of the fact that the annual tradition was back in person after going virtual.

Mission Youth Philly is a group of high school, college students, and young adults that proclaim the gospel to all of the marginalized in the community. Reaching out to those on the margins at the most vulnerable stage is no different than the homeless, the drug addict, or even someone who needs to return to the faith with a contrite heart.

The event will begin with a 9AM prayer service outside of Planned Parenthood (1144 Locust Street). After the one hour of prayer in front of the devil’s layer, the youth will go around the city, carrying crosses made of real wood, sharing the message while offering to pray for those in need. Each intention the youth collect will be nailed to the cross and offered during the Good Friday service at the cathedral.

In the afternoon, the students will act out the Stations of the Cross with a procession from St. Patrick’s in Rittenhouse Square to the south lawn of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

There is still time to register if you’re a high school or college student for this amazing and faith filled event. You have options for one day, five day, or even the entire Holy Week depending on your availability.

It will change your life.

PHILLY MISSIONS GOOD FRIDAY CROSSWALK AND LIVING STATIONS ARE BACK

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Philly Missions Holy Week 2015

Although Lent is coming to an end it is not too late to enter deeply into Christ’s Passion.

Come and join Mission Youth this Good Friday, April 2nd, to close out Holy Week.

9 AM Rosary at Planned Parenthood (12th & Locust)

10 AM Center City Crosswalk

Lunch, Living Stations Rehearsal

12:30 PM Living Stations of the Cross – Beginning at St. Patrick’s – Ends at Cathedral of Sts. Peter & Paul

Holy Week Vigils in Southeastern Pennsylvania

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Below are a list of Holy Week observances outside of abortion facilities in the Greater Philadelphia. You are welcome to particiapte in all or one of the ones listed.

Prayer Vigils serve as:

• an appeal to expectant mothers
  entering abortion chambers to give
  birth to their child
• an act of reparation for the killing of
  children in the womb by abortion
• a public witness to the deadly
  injustice of abortion

Holy Thursday, April 1st
Planned Parenthood, 1221 Powell Street (at Wood Street), Norristown, 19401
11:00 AM-12:00 Noon

Good Friday, April 2nd

Planned Parenthood, 610 Louis Drive, Warminster, 18974 9:30 AM, procession from Nativity of Our Lord parking lot to Planned Parenthood – 10:00-11:00 AM Prayer Vigil

Planned Parenthood, Wayne & Market Streets, West Chester, 19380
9:00-10:00 AM

Planned Parenthood, 216 West State Street, Media, 19063 10:00-11:00 AM

Planned Parenthood, 2751 Comly Road (at Roosevelt Boulevard),
Northeast Philadelphia, 19154 9:00-10:00 AM

Planned Parenthood, 1144 Locust Street, Center City Philadelphia, 19107
9:00-10:00 AM. At 1:00 PM, Living Stations of the Cross commences at
St. Patrick Church, at 20th and Locust Streets. The procession will go from 20th and Locust around the city to the Basilica before the 3PM service. The Living Stations of the Cross will be performed by high school and college students from Philly Youth Missions.

Good Friday Reflection

By now, many of us have attended a Good Friday service (virtually) or have fond memories of attending one in real life.

I am always struck by the passion according to St. John the Evangelist in many ways, but I can pick out at least two things that are very profound and deserve much-needed reflection.

During Christ’s trial, we notice that Pontius Pilate was pressured by the high priests and Pharisees to do away from him. So he presented Christ and Barabbas to the crowd. The crowd wanted Barabbas over Christ. The crowd, on top of the immediate release of Barabbas (as it was part of the Passover tradition), responded: “Crucify Him”.   In today’s world, we notice that people are picking other gods over Christ.  We see people, like the abortionists and even those in the diabolic industry, that claim the moral high ground when it comes to promoting abortion. Christ even reminded Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason, the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”

The next part is at Calvary. We see Christ is now crucified. We have his mother, Mary Magdalene, and his beloved apostle, at the foot of his cross. Every time I read that passion, I can’t help but think of when mothers of unborn children are following their own children to calvary as they are going into abortion facilities across the United States and world. It makes me think of the Pieta image that we commonly see in church. In time, they have an empty hole in their hearts and it is filled with sorrow from the loss of their child.

These reflections are pointed out to remind everyone to reach people with love. It may be hard but it is what we need to do.

“There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us. And on the far side of every cross we find the newness of life in the Holy Spirit, that new life which will reach its fulfillment in the resurrection. This is our faith. This is our witness before the world.”

— Pope St. John Paul II, Apostolic Journey to the United States (1995)

Zoom Prayer Meeting on Good Friday

The following is from an email blast sent by Dr. Monique Ruberu

Pat and I are so proud of all of you!! You guys have continued to pray and that prayer support has allowed the few out on the front lines to be so effective…

40 days officially ended on the 4th so now we are into sidewalk servant time, but since we are unable to do our usual Good Friday closing and vigil outside of PP we thought we could possibly come together online with maybe a few people coming to us from the front lines at 12th and locust…

We can have a max of 10 people with physical distancing downtown, so if you want to go there please let me know so we can be ready for you with a mask and know where you will stand.
Pat will have a cross down there and hopes to do stations of the cross.

Please email Monique for the Zoom link at roobearoo@hotmail.com. 

Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday

Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles is asking the faithful to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday (April 10th) at 3PM.

Here is how to pray it:

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Lord, have mercy

R: Lord, have mercy

Christ, have mercy

Christ, have mercy

Lord, have mercy

Lord, have mercy
God our Father in heaven

R: have mercy on us

God the Son, Redeemer of the world

R: have mercy on us

God the Holy Spirit

R: have mercy on us

Holy Trinity, one God

R: have mercy on us

(Response for every petition is: Have mercy on us)

Heart of Jesus, Son of the eternal Father

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in
the womb of the Virgin Mother

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, one with the eternal Word

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, infinite in majesty

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of
heaven

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, aflame with love for us

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, source of justice and love

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, well-spring of all virtue

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, worthy of all praise

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, treasure-house of wisdom
and knowledge

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, in whom there dwells the
fullness of God

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is
Well pleased

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, from whose fullness we
have all received

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, desire of the eternal hills

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, generous to all who turn
to you

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, atonement for our sins

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with insults

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, broken for our sins

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, obedient even to death

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, pierced by a lance

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation have mercy on us
Heart of Jesus, victim of our sins

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, salvation of all who trust
in you

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, hope of all who die in you

have mercy on us

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints

have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away
the sins of the world

have mercy on us

Lamb of God, you take away
the sins of the world

have mercy on us

Lamb of God, you take away
the sins of the world

have mercy on us
Jesus, gentle and humble of heart.

Touch our hearts
and make them like your own.
Let us pray.
Father, we rejoice in the gifts of love we have received from the heart of Jesus your Son. Open our hearts to share his life and continue to bless us with his love. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

For more information, read the full article here

Denied Sacraments; Not Access to Abortion. Catholic Bishops, Speak Up

By now, many Catholic bishops have made one of the hardest decisions to ever come in the midst of the pandemic. That decision was to suspend the celebration of mass and live stream masses until the pandemic passes. Catholics are not thrilled over this decision. They are deprived of receiving the Eucharist. However, many are encouraged to make a spiritual communion. In the midst of it, one brave pastor held a Sunday service. He paid the price as he was arrested.

As Lent is drawing to a close and one of the most pivotal times of the church’s calendar approaches, it seems many pro-lifers are being challenged even more. 40 Days for Life campaigns are canceled now due to the rapid spread of the virus as we cannot have 10 people or more outside of abortion facilities in the midst of physical distancing (the correct term as opposed to social distancing). No palms this year, witnessing new Catholics coming to the faith on Easter Sunday, not even families gathering for mass together and receive the blessing of the Easter Holy Water.

Meanwhile, across many states, Planned Parenthood facilities remain open as they are deemed “essential”. Even House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck the Schmuck Schumer were looking out for Planned Parenthood when it came to stimulus money without a care for the average American out of work. Even many doctors are up in arms about many states’ decisions to leave them open. Time and time again, the abortion industry is using events like the pandemic to put profit ahead of actual care.

At the same time, the Catholic bishops have been silent. It has helped the oppressors. Our bishops can do better. Where are they? They all come together to close the church’s door and improvise mass celebrations to the virtual world. Catholics can’t receive the sacraments. No weddings. No funerals. Churches are open for worship only. Many Catholics are seeing this as a way to forget the 3rd commandment, yet they are encouraged to view the mass on the internet. Sadly many are not doing so.

CALL TO ACTION

I am calling on all people of faith to come together, call their representative and ask their officials to close the abortion facilities.

If you are in good health and are prepared, go and be physically present outside of abortion facilities. Bring resources with you.

Offer your next Holy Hour or prayer meeting (physically or virtually) for an end to abortion.

Take a photo of your pro-life sign and tag the location of the Planned Parenthood facility on your next social media post (Facebook and Instagram).  Remind women that they are amazing, strong, and beautiful. You have help.

Post-pro-life messages on your church’s billboard and bulletin.

Use social media to spread the pro-life message. Be ready for a backlash. Respond with love.

This pandemic can bring the best and worst out of everyone. Let this bring out the best in every pro-lifer.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice”  Proverbs 31: 8-9

 

Masses Are Closed; Planned Parenthood Stays Open: WHERE IS THE USCCB?

The following is from Judie Brown, President of American Life League. 

No one worried about receiving the Holy Eucharist in a state of mortal sin, but the coronavirus shows up and suddenly we have all these rules and regulations in every diocese! 

It’s enough to make an average Catholic wonder.

What will it take for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to defend the Holy Eucharist against pro-abortion Catholic public figures?

Abortion Joe Biden doesn’t seem to be much concerned.  Neither was Nancy Pelosi as she was lobbying to give Planned Parenthood access to over $1 billion in federal taxpayer funding in direct violation of the Hyde Amendment.

. . . and do we even need to mention Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez? 

Yet once again — with few and notable exceptions — where are our bishops?  Why are Masses closed while Planned Parenthood remains open for business?

It is high time the USCCB start enforcing Canon 915 and take square aim at those who are giving aid and comfort to Planned Parenthood and the hundreds of abortion centers still open across the country.

Right now in Virginia, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor to attend Holy Mass with more than 10 people.  That’s 12 months in jail and/or a $2,500 fine.

But Planned Parenthood abortion centers across America are exempt from these restrictions as they continue to slaughter innocent babies. 

If the USCCB can’t stand up to the likes of Planned Parenthood, how on earth are they ever going to stand firm in defense of the Holy Eucharist from sacrilege by these pro-abortion Catholics?

Every year, American Life League publishes our “Deadly Dozen” list — 12 so-called Catholic public figures who defy Catholic teaching on abortion, yet still receive the Eucharist in defiance of Canon Law.  

This year, we want to make sure the Catholic bishops have the guts to do the right thing.  If they can protect the Eucharist from a virus, they can protect the Eucharist from the worst virus of them all — an obstinate mortal sin.

Where on earth are our shepherds??

Our Catholic bishops need to be reminded of their duties to the Catholic faithful.  If we can protect the Eucharist from a virus, we can protect the Eucharist from sacrilege.  Simple as that!

But I need your help to bring the USCCB to their senses.  Help me enforce Canon 915 against these so-called “Catholic public figures!

PS:  REMEMBER that no one worried about receiving the Holy Eucharist in a state of obstinate mortal sin, but a virus shows up and suddenly we have all these rules and regulations in every diocese! 

Masses are closed; Planned Parenthood is open; our bishops are silent.  All we have is one another — which is why I urgently need your help to enforce Canon 915 today.

Virtual Holy Week Mission Sign Ups

Though Holy Week Missions are canceled, high school and college students are still asked to participate through an online platform.

The breakdown is this:

1. It begins on Palm Sunday
2.  A Mission Pack sent to your door (packed and sanitized carefully in a quarantine environment by the Legionary fathers) with all of the tools you need to be a missionary at home: a prayer booklet to follow along with group prayers, holy water, missionary cross and more. (ONLY AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST 80 FAMILIES WHO SIGN-UP).
3. Access to all of the events for Online Holy Week including prayers, guided Gospel meditations, Passion of the Christ screening, prayer groups, streaming Mass and other Holy Week services, and more (some schedule items subject to change according to circumstances).
4. One email each morning with a schedule, links & details
5. For those in the PHILLY area: opportunities for a drive through confessions at St. Mary Magdalene and possibly a Eucharistic procession through your own neighborhood.
6. An opportunity to be connected to a mission outside of your home with people from different places and to KEEP HOLY WEEK HOLY!

If you are interested in participating, please visit here and sign up today.