Penance & Reparation Plan
/Fr. Hamilton’s three basic assumptions about the current crisis:
We are dealing with something truly diabolical.
The crisis demands serious penance on a biblical scale.
We need to consider what Jesus says is the greatest command (cf. Mt. 22:36-40). Jesus says the first is to love God with all that you are. Then follows a divine love for others.
Suggestions for penance and reparation:
Attend Daily Mass: In particular, five consecutive Wednesdays the daily Mass intention in our chapel will be “In Reparation,” asking healing for victims of abuse and repair for sins of the clergy. These Wednesdays start September 12 and end on October 10. Five Masses are in honor of the Five Sacred Wounds of Jesus (which are his wounds of piercing: 2 hands, 2 feet, and his side).
Fasting and abstinence on Wednesdays and Fridays: Challenge yourself to observe meatless days (that’s what abstaining means in this context) and even fasting (which means taking only one main meal) in reparation for the sins and crimes of the clergy and for healing of victims. The older practice of what are called “Ember Days,” which were quarterly times of penance, sort of like quarterly mini-Lents, can also be observed with fasting. The three fall Ember Days are: September 19, 21 & 22.
Weekly Holy Hour: Commit to one Holy Hour each week before the Blessed Sacrament in our chapel. You can make visits 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On Thursday, September 20, from 7-10 pm, attend a public time of adoration at church for healing of victims and in reparation for the sins of priests and bishops.
Invoking Mary & St. Joseph: I encourage each of you to pray the Rosary daily and to pray it as a family at least weekly for the intention of the healing of victims, conversion of the clergy, and sanctity in your family life. Come to weekend Mass early to join the Rosary 30 minutes before each Mass. Use a prayer to St. Joseph at the end of the Rosary.
Invoking St. Monica: Women and mothers are asked to pray through the intercession of St. Monica for conversion and repentance, especially among clergy.
Prayer to St. Joseph
(At the end of the Rosary after the Hail, Holy Queen with its customary prayer, this prayer may be added)
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your
most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength
to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.