August 4, 2024
Feast of St. John Vianney
A Request for Acts of Reparation
to the Catholics of the Diocese of Lake Charles
from Bishop Glen John Provost
Recent outrageous and blasphemous depictions of the Last Supper at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics remind me of the constant need for reparation. Sadly, such shameful behavior, in which what is sacred is demeaned and profaned and sometimes disguised as artistic expression, occurs with increasing frequency. While on the world stage we are limited in an effective response, we can in our own way give witness and make reparation. Acts of atonement for sacrilegious behavior is not only a fitting response of the Catholic Church but also something we are compelled to do out of love for God.
I am asking pastors in our parishes to lead their parishioners in acts of reparation. The frequency of these practices will be left to the pastor’s discretion, since parish schedules vary, but should include one or more of the following:
- The solemn and public praying of the Penitential Psalms, i.e. Psalms 6, 31 (32), 37 (38), 50 (51), 101 (102), 129 (130), 142 (143);
- Fostering First Friday Devotions in reparation for sins, particularly those against the Eucharist;
- A day of prayer and fasting in reparation; for example, highlighting the already existing Ember Days in the Diocese;
- A parish Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament exposed with Benediction to conclude;
- A specific act of charity, requiring extra effort and done by the parish to assist the poor and needy.
There are also many worthy prayers of reparation available in our missals and online from Catholic sources. These can be prayed at appropriate times in our churches and at home with our families.
May God extend His mercy and assistance to us as we struggle to achieve His Will in this secular world increasingly adverse to the message of Christ. Mary’s prayers will also come to our aid, as we seek her intercession. I extend to all of you my blessings and remain
Sincerely yours in our risen Lord,
Download RDF Bishop Memo Reparation 2024 (429 KB, 2024-08-05 15:26)
