The Wednesday Update

US Bishops to reconsecrate our country to Mary, Mother of the Church I will be leading our diocese in a reconsecration liturgy on Friday, May 1 at 11 a.m. Please join me by watching the liturgy on our website at www.diocesetucson.org. Archbishop José Gomez, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops and leader of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, will lead the USCCB’s liturgy immediately following ours, beginning at Noon on Friday 1. You can view the livestreaming of at http://www.usccb.org/consecration or at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website at https://lacatholics.org/consecration . If you like, you can download a worship aid for the USCCB liturgy at http://www.usccb.org/about/communications/consecration.cfm .

A vandal used rocks to break treasured stained-glass windows at St. Augustine Cathedral Monday evening. The same person is suspected of also breaking windows at the nearby Marist College Apartments, located at the back of Cathedral Square, 192 S. Stone Ave. In addition, windows on three cars in the apartment building parking lot, and the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) van also were broken Monday evening. FSL operates the apartments.

You may recall that circumstances created by the pandemic led to our diocese having to furlough, with reduced or no work hours, 23 of the 50 employees of our Pastoral Center staff. I am writing to share some very good news with you. Our filing for a small business forgivable loan, through the $2 trillion dollar CARES Act, has been granted for the Diocese of Tucson . . . as of Monday we are restoring all employees to their former salary levels.

At this time, we find ourselves poised to contemplate Holy Thursday, followed by the Triduum. These are the holiest of days in our faith; days that remind us of the sacrifices of Jesus that lead to His resurrection and the promise of victory over death.

The Wednesday Update took a short break. It will return Aug. 21. Please note that the Diocese of Tucson offices will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 15 in observance of the Feast Day of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.

Update: Transforming a juvenile facility On Monday (July 22), the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3 - 2 in favor of allowing Catholic Community Services to move asylum-seekers temporarily housed at the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson to vacant sections

Update: New home for asylum-seekers This afternoon, diocese and Catholic Community Services representatives met with officials from the city county, three consulates, religious leaders and leaders from other organizations working with migrants. The meeting was to discuss and bring greater understanding among the group members about the decisions made by CCS to continue efforts to move asylum seekers from the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson  into an unused part of a county juvenile detention center.

Troubling allegations require thorough review   The media is reporting alarming allegations of sexual misconduct against minors, inhumane conditions, and improper retaliatory actions on the part of certain Customs and Border Patrol agents at the Yuma, Arizona holding facilities.  These deeply troubling allegations have been made public by Department of Health and Human Services workers.  

Prayer for the Fourth of July Below is a prayer written by George Washington, our nation’s first president.  See how the words of the past still resonate with us as they reflect on the need for justice, respect and the inclusion of God in our work.