A reflection on the sacramental of ashes that we receive on Ash Wednesday: “Even the darkest moments of the liturgy are filled with joy. And Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lent fast, is a day of happiness, a Christian feast. It cannot be otherwise, as it forms part of the great Easter cycle.” (Thomas Merton)

We honor great presidents today who enabled the dream: a land of opportunity for tired, poor, huddled masses “yearning to be free,” as the Statue of Liberty proclaims.

Bishop Silva has published a very important letter to all Catholic parishioners on the critical issue of physician assisted suicide, which is being considered by our State Legislature. It is inserted in today’s bulletin, and published on the diocesan website, and we ask you to read it carefully and to take action.