t eanc 0 VOL. 40, NO. 46 •
Friday, November 29, 1996
FALL RIVER DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER FOR SOUTHEAST MASSACHUSETTS CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
FALL RIVER, MASS.
ADV.ENT SUNDAY
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Southeastern Massachusetts' Largest Weekly
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Every day, children. Advent begins today. women and men all As we light the first around the world go to candle, remember we bed hungry. To them, live in a time when life has become secondary . the Christmas season is to many people. just another day ofpain and suffering. Let us devote this Today, let us rememAdvent, through prayer, ber these people in some sacrifice and good deeds, to LIFE in all its special way. beautiful stages...from conception to death.
Life for some .has become an unbearable burden. There are many who consider taking their own lives. On this day, offer a prayer, sacrifice or deedfor these brothers and sisters, that their hearts may be touched with mercy and healing.
Many of us gather for parties and get together with family and friends at this time. There are others who have no relatives or friends. Today, let us think of these individuals in a special way.
There are still many people on this Earth who don't know who Jesus is. Todgy, let us remember these people and pray that they may encounter the Savior and realize the wonderfullife He offers us.
a" this feast of St. Nicholas, let us think about the children throughout the world in hospitals and at home, who are sick or injured. Offer this day for them and theirfamilies, that they may feel the peace ofJesus.
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Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. On this day, let us make an offeringfor those babies that have been aborted, and for their mothers. Let us ask Mary, who said "yes" to the Lord, to pray for these broken-hearted sisters.
In many places, including this country, people are still being oppressed for various reaSons such as race or religion. . Today, let us remember the oppressed and pray for their oppressors.
On this day, let us remember in a special way those infants who have died within the womb, or shortly after birth. Ask Mary,mother of the Baby Jesus, to intercede for those families.
In Zaire and other parts of the world, many refugees wander homeless and hungry, attempting fa escape oppression, much as Jesus, MaryandJoseph did. Today, let us remember these brothers and sisters in our thoughts and prayers.
Some people have chosen physician-assisted suicide to put an end to their suffering. Today, let us pray for the terminally ill, that they may chose to die with dignity, as Cardinal Joseph Bernardin did.
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All too often we hear about women and children being ballered and abused. Today, as Christmas draws ever nearer, .let us take afew minutes to pr:ayfor these individuals.
am! doesn't have to be a parent to become sickem~d by the abduc. tion ofa child. Today, tet us make an offering for all abducted children and their families.
Anyone of us could have our faith shaken through unforeseen circumstances. On this day during Advent, let us remember in a special way those who question their faith. Let us ask the Lord to strengthen and guide them.
Today, let us remember all those who live with disabilities, whether they be physical, spiritual or mental. May these people feel the love of God through our actions and prayers.
Mary and Joseph knew hOl¥ it felt to be . turned awqy, as they searchedfor a'place to stay. Many immigrants in this country share the same feelings. Today, let us remember our immigrant brothers and sisters and ,their struggle.
SATURDAY In this age, many childrenface violence in thf! streets, at school and at home. Today, let us offer a prayerfor these children. t
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Let us light the second Advent candle todayfor Pope John Paul II, the cardinals, bishops, priests, religious and lay people whofight for the dignity of life.
On this third Sunday ofAdvent, let us remember and pray for all those living with and aJfected by HIV/AIDS and theirfamily andfr.rends.
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On this fourth and final Sunday of Advent /996, let us prayfor the family, that it may be strengthened and stand firm against the evils of this world.
As the day approaches for Mary to give birth to the Baby Jesus, let usprayfor all pregnan t women and their unborn children.
On the eve of the birthday ofour Lord, let u~ prayfervently for an end to abortion of all kinds, physician-assisted suicide and ellthanasia. Let us pray for respectfor all life - from the first moment ofconception to the last moment ofnatural death.
Chri,~tmas
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As the baby Jesus grew ta become a man, he held the orphaned and widowed dear to his Sacred Heart. At this time in the Christmas season, let us remember the orphaned and widowed ofour day.
On this day, let us remember a/l those who strive to make life better for all of us, such as healthcare workers. social workers and pro-life supporters. May our prayers strengthen and encourage all who work for sustaining life.
Day - 0 Come Let Us Adore Him ... ... the Lord ofall LIFE