Dear Parishioners,
As we begin the season of Lent, we see in today’s gospel how Jesus is tempted by Satan. As our Lord is led by the spirit through the desert, Satan tempts Jesus. Jesus tells us to repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand. These next few weeks of Lent are meant to be a time of spiritual renewal. Just as Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, he tempts us each day of our lives. The devil wants to sever our relationship with Jesus by showing us things that ultimately, we don’t need. We must not allow Satan and his empty promises to hinder or sever our relationship with the Lord. During this Lenten season, we look to the cross as the image of our salvation. Jesus shed his blood on the cross out of pure love for all of us. We must use these days of Lent as a moment to grow deeper in love with Jesus Christ. We must also use this time to look at our own habits, knowing that we are all poor sinners trying our best to get to heaven. This is a great time to exercise acts of charity and repentance, most especially through the sacrament of Reconciliation. May Christ continue to be at the center of our lives as we journey with him from the desert, to Calvary and ultimately to the Resurrection from the dead.
Black History Month Movie Series
As has been the custom, each Saturday night during the month of February, we will be showing films that are associated with Black History Month. Our apologies that we did not show the film last week because of the inclement weather. Our next and final film showing will take place this Saturday, February 27 following the 5:00PM Vigil Mass at St. Peter Claver Msgr. Rogers Hall. The film is entitled, “American Violet” and it stars Charles S. Dutton and Alfre Woodard. Attendance is free of charge and all are welcomed to join!
Tuesday Evening Lenten Vespers and Stations of the Cross
We will continue the tradition of praying sung Vespers (Evening Prayer) on the Tuesday’s of Lent beginning this Tuesday, February 23. It will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 7:00PM. Vespers from Our Lady of Victory Church will be livestreamed via our parish website and Facebook page. We will also pray the traditional stations of the cross on the Friday’s of Lent at each of the three churches. Stations of the cross will begin at 7:00PM. All are welcomed to pray with us.
Diocese of Brooklyn Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving
The Diocese of Brooklyn Mass of Thanksgiving for Black History Month will take place next Sunday, February 28 at 3:00PM at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on Pacific Street. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will be the main celebrant. Our very own Father Franklin will be the homilist. All are welcomed to join us at the Co-Cathedral or watch the Mass live via NET-TV.
The Repose of the Soul of Josephine Ezeorah
Just last week, we heard the sad news of the death of Josephine Ezeorah, the mother of Father Franklin. She died suddenly in Nigeria. Please pray for the repose of her soul and the consolation of her family and friends.
We adore you O Christ and we praise you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox