Abp. Aymond: Fast, pray for end to violence

To: Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
    As we begin this Lenten season, I extend to you my greetings and prayers for a blessed 40 days as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
    Traditionally, Lent is a time when we embrace prayer, fasting and sacrifice in order that we may undergo the conversion and change of heart to which God calls us. In so doing we are drawn closer to Jesus Christ and share his life more fully. These 40 days are sacred.

    In recent years, it seems that prayer and sacrifice have remained a part of the Lenten observance for many people. However, fasting does not seem to be widely practiced today.
    May I remind all of us of the Church’s teachings that we are to fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Furthermore, we are to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent, which is no real sacrifice for us in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Lenten guidelines for fasting and abstinence can be found in your parish bulletin and at the end of this letter.
    However, I am inviting us as disciples of Jesus to do more. I am asking you to join me in choosing one day a week for the six weeks of Lent to fast and pray for the New Battle of New Orleans. Jesus says that some evils can be driven out only “by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:21).
    Please consider fasting one day a week for the cause of peace in our archdiocese, specifically that violence, murder and racism will end. With God’s help we can be victorious in this New Battle of New Orleans. I am also requesting that “Our Family Prayer,” now used on Sunday, be prayed at every Mass during Lent. Please join me in fighting this battle through prayer and fasting.
    May your Lenten journey be blessed. May you and I experience the conversion and change of heart God is calling us to embrace personally and for all those in the Archdiocese of New Orleans affected by violence.
    Wishing you God’s blessings, and the assurance of my prayers, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans

LENTEN FASTING AND ABSTINENCE:

➤ A. Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age and is observed until their 59th birthday. Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to each one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted.
➤ B.  Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years or older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. The determination of certain days as obligatory days of penance should not be understood as limiting the occasion for Christian penance. The spirit of the season of Lent should be maintained throughout the weeks of Lent.