A CALL TO ACTION FOR OUR CHURCH IN CRISIS
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting for Healing
October 1st – November 9th
Would you consider joining me and others for 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting for Healing? This is a call to action for our Church in crisis starting Monday, October 1st (or start whenever you read this) through November 9th.
Cardinal DiNardo, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “The Holy Father is…inviting, and I am asking this as well, that all the faithful join in prayer and fasting…Jesus remarked once, ‘This kind can only come out through prayer and fasting’ (Mark 9:29); a humble reminder that such acts of faith can move mountains and can even bring about true healing and conversion.”
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) draws closer to its November assembly to address the crisis in our Church, join your brothers and sisters in Christ during this time leading up to the assembly for 40 Days of Praying & Fasting for Healing. Healing for the victims and their families; Healing for the Church and for all those called to lead it; And healing for ourselves as we struggle through this turbulent time.
Observe this forty-day period from October 1st – November 9th as a time of increased prayer and penance, like another Lent. Please join us in performing these two acts of faith.
1.) PRAYER
Consider adding prayers to your daily routine, like the prayer to St Michael the Archangel, the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet or some extra Hail Mary’s. Another good prayer option is to make a Holy Hour (or ½ hour) of prayer and adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament.
2.) FASTING
As penitential practices, fasting and abstinence unite us to the redemptive suffering and death of the Lord. Consider following the norms for Lent such as no meat on Fridays, or not eating between meals. Other ideas are to give up sodas, alcohol or dessert. How about no social media for one day a week during the 40 days? Or perform another fast of your choice.
Remember the prayer and fasting example of Jesus and take to heart the words of Cardinal DiNardo; “acts of faith can move mountains and… bring about true healing and conversion.”
Lord forgive us and heal us. Amen!
© Rose of Sharon
