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My Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:
I am writing to announce good news. As you know, the Year of the Eucharist proclaimed by Pope John Paul II became seriously interrupted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Recently, Pope Benedict XVI, in a general audience, has blessed a monstrance that has been restored after experiencing severe damage in the hurricane. He has also granted us the authorization to extend Year of the Eucharist through the year 2007. Moreover, he has granted a plenary indulgence under specified conditions for those who participate in a service in the presence of the Eucharist exposed in this monstrance as it is transported in pilgrimage throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
I will be initiating this year on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday after Easter, April 23, at St. Joseph Church. A Holy Hour will take place beginning at 1:30 p.m. and then the celebration of the Eucharist at 3:00 p.m. on that Sunday. All of you are welcome to participate.
Then in each Deanery there will be an opportunity for a Sunday Vigil Mass with my leading a Holy Hour and celebration of the Eucharist at the usual time of the Mass. In connection with the visit to each Deanery, an opportunity for education and formation about the Eucharist will also be made available. Details of this program will be forthcoming soon.
Please know that you are all welcome to join me at St. Joseph Church on Tulane Avenue both for the Holy Hour and for the Eucharist. It is my genuine hope that this will provide a graced way, not only to deepen faith and spirituality centered on the Eucharist, but spiritual renewal of our lives in this post-Katrina period. May God grant us this grace.
Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Reverend Alfred C. Hughes
Archbishop of New Orleans
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