September 2, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we begin this new month of September, we contemplate the mystery of Mary the Sorrowful Mother at the foot of the Cross. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is on September 15th and so the Church has traditionally dedicated the whole month of September to her.
As we contemplate this mystery as a parish, we look up to the Cross and we desire to stay with Mary gazing at her Son Jesus as He offers His life for our salvation. The Feast of the Triumph of the Cross is on September 14th just the day before. These mysteries draw us into repentance and conversion. I would like to put particular emphasis on these two realities this month. It is so important that we continuously pray for the gift of full repentance and true conversion of heart; not only for ourselves but also for those whom we love, those who have fallen away from the faith, and those around the world who do not know Christ. Looking around at our world today, there can be no doubt that repentance and conversion is desperately needed. The more we embrace the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness and walk the path of repentance and conversion, the more we will experience His peace. It would bring an end to violence, and build up understanding among people of different races. So many beautiful things would happen if we would simply all turn from our sinfulness and pride. Many places in Sacred Scripture point this out, but one that I really like is “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
With all of this in mind let us turn and develop a constant habit of repentance, and let us pray constantly for conversions in our country and in our world in order that God might turn and have mercy on us and heal us. For this purpose I am sending along with this letter a link to an examination of conscience as well as prayers to pray daily for repentance and conversion. (Click here for the link)
Also, as we approach the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, we will pray a novena for repentance and conversion at the end of every mass beginning September 6th and ending September 15th. If you would like to pray along and add your own intentions, I invite you to pray the novena, which is attached below.
As we have noted in recent announcements, I will be adding confession times on Wednesday evenings from 5-7pm starting today. Weather permitting, confessions will be outside near the Sacred Heart statue under the blue tent every Wednesday in September. Please take advantage of this beautiful Sacrament of healing and mercy. Many blessings to you and please know of my constant prayers.
Blessings in Christ,
Fr. Peter Wigton
Pastor, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish