Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.

In today’s first reading, we are reminded of the Ten Commandments. Which commandment do you struggle with the most? Aim for one small improvement this week. 

U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Doctrine and for Pro-Life Address the Use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine 

Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines raised concerns because an abortion-derived cell line was used for testing them, but not in their production. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, however was developed, tested and is produced with abortion-derived cell lines raising additional moral concerns. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has judged that ‘when ethically irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines are not available….it is morally acceptable for receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.’ [1] 

However, if one can choose among equally safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, the vaccine with the least connection to abortion-derived cell lines should be chosen. Therefore, if one has the ability to choose a vaccine, Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccines should be chosen over Johnson & Johnson. 

While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good. 

A Prayer for Pope Francis 

On March 13th, we celebrate the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election! Say a prayer for the Holy Father. 

O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, 
look favorably on your servant Francis, 
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd; 
Grant, we pray, that by word and example 
he may be of service to those over whom he presides 
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, 
he may come to everlasting life. 
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection

Lent is not only about abstaining from eating or from doing what one likes. It is also about improving our relationships with God and with those who surround us. For example: 

• Treat our loved ones with care and respect. 
• Come to Sunday Mass together with your family. 
• Receive the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist. 
• Assist the poor. 

Fasting

we are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: The norms are obligatory from ages 18-59. When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. 

Abstinence

We are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Fridays during Lent and Good Friday: The norms are obligatory from age 14 onwards. 

Stations of the Cross

Through the Stations of the Cross we are called to relive the Passion, Pain, Suffering and the Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ he offered for the salvation of each of us. You are invited each Friday during Lent as we commemorate the Stations of the Cross in English at 6 PM and Spanish at 7:45 PM