Denver Catholic

During this time of trial, we need to hear the words of Jesus spoken often in the Gospel, words spoken to Mary by the Angel Gabriel at the Annun- ciation, "Be not afraid." We need to pray especially for a deeper trust and hear the words of Elizabeth spoken to Mary in our own hearts. "…blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfi llment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (Lk 1:45). The Lord is with us in this time as he has promised! Praying the rosary helps us, with the aid of our Mother, to relive in our own lives the mysteries of Christ's life. I personally invite all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Denver to pray the Rosary every day between the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, through the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, September 15. I would be remiss if I did not thank Bishop Carl Kemme of Wichita for inspiring this Rosary Crusade by launching one in his diocese at the beginning of August. As we unite in asking Mary for her intercession and protection, please pray for the following intentions: • For a growth in faith, hope and charity in the heart and soul of every human being, and most especially in our own that we may seek only the will of the Father • For a recognition of the dignity of life from the moment of concep- tion until natural death and that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God • A quick end to the coronavirus pandemic • For all who are suff ering from COVID -19, for their caregivers, and for those who have died from the virus • In reparation for the sins of abortion, euthanasia, and racism • In reparation for the sins and failings of our spiritual leaders and for our personal sins • For healing and justice for all those who have been discriminated against because of their race • For the conversion of the world and the salvation of souls • For all those who are persecuted throughout the world for the Faith • For the conversion of those who carry out acts of desecration against our churches, statues and religious symbols • In reparation for these acts of desecration, especially against Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament • For our civic leaders and those who keep us safe to experience a deeper conversion, to govern justly, and to seek the common good • That we may learn how to love and forgive from the example of Jesus • For all marriages and families, neighborhoods, churches and cities to be strengthened • For an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and reli- gious life Thank you for joining me in this prayer on behalf of our world, country and our Church. I am confi dent that many of the faithful will respond in turning to the Blessed Mother who "shine[s] on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope" (Pope Francis' Letter to the Faithful for the Month of May 2020). May you always know the protection of Mary as she leads you to her Son! 3 DENVER CATHOLIC | JULY 26-AUGUST 8 Archbishop's Column In our current time of crisis, our Church, world and our country need faith in God and the protection and intercession of Mary. And so, beginning on August 15, I am launching a Rosary Crusade to ask Mary to urgently bring our needs to Jesus". ARCHBISHOP SAMUEL J. AQUILA "

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