Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Today is a Day of Penance

In all the dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. The Mass "For Peace and Justice" (no. 21 of the "Masses for Various Needs") should be celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day.
Well, well, well. It was quite a shock to come across this in my Magnificat this morning (the link above goes to the posted document at the USCCB).

Perhaps a day of fasting is better when it is sprung on you ... but also perhaps, for all those people not looking at their Magnificat this morning and who have no clue of this day of penance ... it would have been nice if we'd have had a mention during the homily which centered around personal involvement in the struggle against abortion. Or perhaps even a special mention in the announcements after Mass. I don't remember seeing one in the bulletin though I could have missed it.

When searching around I see that some parishes and dioceses had the forethought to mention it specifically. That must be nice ...

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