From the Pastor’s Desk.
Dear Parishioners,
This past Wednesday we began the season of Lent. During these weeks of Lent, we focus on the three important pillars of the season: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is an opportunity for us look at how we can grow closer to the heart of Christ. We focus so much on what we are “giving up” for Lent, when the question should be what we are to gain during these weeks. Every first Sunday of Lent, we hear the account of Jesus being tempted by Satan in the desert. The devil offers Jesus all of these incentives that would relieve him of him being in the desert. The devil attempts to lure Jesus with power, gluttony and idolatry. We must ask ourselves the question, “how often does Satan tempt us with these things”? We must not allow ourselves to be lured by the evil one. As we begin this Lenten season, let us pray for the grace to take up our cross and to follow Jesus.
Diocese of Brooklyn Lenten Pilgrimage
As is the custom in the city of Rome, there are designated “station churches” where pilgrims from the city can go and pray during the season of Lent. Here in the Diocese of Brooklyn everyday (excluding Sunday’s) a different parish will host Eucharistic Adoration for all the faithful to visit and pray. It is with great joy that our parish has been chosen as a station church. Our assigned day to host is Monday, March 6, 2023, at Our Lady of Victory Church. The schedule of the day will be as follows: Mass at 8:00AM (in the Main Church), recitation of the rosary, silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Noon Angelus, silent adoration, 3:00PM recitation of the chaplet of Divine Mercy, silent adoration, 6:00PM Angelus, 7:30PM Vespers followed by Benediction. We need volunteers who would be able to serve as adorers, since the Blessed Sacrament exposed must never be left alone. There will be sign up sheets with time slots for those who would be able to be with the Blessed Sacrament.
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross will be prayed each Friday night during the season of Lent beginning at 7:00PM. Stations of the cross will be held at each of the three churches.
Tuesday Evening Lenten Vespers
As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres, each Tuesday evening during the season of Lent we will have Eucharistic Adoration and pray Vespers. It will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 7:30PM.
Fridays of Lent Eucharistic Adoration
In the spirit of the National Eucharistic Revival and in the solemn season of Lent, I would like to have more of an opportunity for the community to spend time with Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. With that in mind, we will have all day Eucharistic Adoration on the Friday’s of Lent beginning this Friday, which is the First Friday of the month. We will begin with Mass at 8:00AM at Our Lady of Victory Church followed by the recitation of the rosary with benediction at 6:00PM.
Wishing you a blessed and prayerful Lent,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox