You may have heard recently the sad news that Miramar Retreat Center here in Duxbury will close at the end of June. It has been a tremendous spiritual oasis for thousands of people from near and far for nearly 75 years. The Divine Word Missionaries (SVDs), a Catholic religious order of missionary priests and brothers, have staffed the Center from the beginning, and have generously welcomed people of all faiths for times of prayer, reflection, renewal and spiritual direction, as well as to enjoy the Center’s beautiful grounds.

This Sunday, Palm/Passion Sunday, begins Holy Week, the time in our liturgical calendar when we celebrate the central mysteries of our faith, what the Church calls the Paschal Mystery – Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. We reflect upon what God has done for us in the unique expression of His love and mercy through Jesus’ offering of Himself in sacrifice to the Father for the forgiveness of our sins and those of all humanity.

This weekend begins National Child Abuse Prevention month. And, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the Catholic Church’s National Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. Cardinal Sean has set aside this weekend, April 2/3, as a time for parishes to pray for continued healing of those who have been abused, to pray for all impacted by abuse, to offer a prayer of thanks for the work of all those who focus on child safety, and to recommit to ongoing practices designed to keep all children free from abuse. Please keep these intentions in your prayers. On this occasion, I share with you a message from an abuse survivor.