November 10, 2004

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
 

Ember Day Mass for Healing

        Archbishop John G. Vlazny will celebrate a Mass of healing on Wednesday, December 1, 2004. The Mass will be held at All Saints Church (NE 39th & Glisan St.) in Portland, at 7:00 p.m.

        December 1st is an Ember Day in the Archdiocese of Portland. Traditionally, an Ember Day is a day of prayer and fasting. The Archdiocese of Portland celebrates an Ember Day in the fall, at the beginning of the Advent season before Christmas and during the Lenten season before Easter. Archbishop Vlazny re-instituted Ember Days in this archdiocese in 2002. On each Ember Day the Archbishop has celebrated a Mass or prayer service for the intention of the healing and reconciliation of those sexually abused by priests in this archdiocese.

        December 1st is also World AIDS Day. This Mass of healing will mark the tenth anniversary celebration of the Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Portland for victims of AIDS. AIDS Ministry is provided through Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Portland.

        On this Ember Day Archbishop Vlazny has asked Catholics “to pray earnestly for the healing of all who have been victimized by the scandal of child sexual abuse by our clergy, for their reconciliation with our church community and for whatever it takes to keep us faithful, in the midst of these trials, to our evangelizing mission. But this Advent I am inviting you to pray for yet another intention: for increased solidarity in our human family to address the limitations and circumstances which heighten people’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.”

        All are invited to join Archbishop Vlazny for the Mass of healing at All Saints Church on Wednesday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m.

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