As of this writing…we await the election of a new Holy Father. Hopefully, as we gather for mass this weekend, we will be praying for the new successor to Peter. This week, as we wait, I share with you an important message from the Bishops of New York State
Statement of Cardinal Dolan and the NYS Bishops on State-Sanctioned Suicide Bill
“Euthanasia and assisted suicide are a defeat for all. We are called never to abandon those who are suffering, never giving up but caring and loving to restore hope.” – Pope Francis, 2019
On Easter Monday, April 21, Pope Francis ended his earthly journey and entered eternal life. The Holy Father gave us many examples to emulate throughout his life and ministry, even right to the end when he gave us an example of a holy, natural death.
Sadly, the very next day, news reports indicated that the New York State Assembly would take up legislation (A136/S138) to legalize state-sanctioned suicide for those who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. Euphemistically titled the Medical Aid in Dying Act, this bill would usher in a dangerous new era in our state, turning the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians to “do no harm” on its head and leaving vulnerable individuals – people with disabilities, the elderly, and those in impoverished and medically under-served communities – subject to pressure and coercion to end their lives so as not to be a “burden” to society or an excessive cost to insurance companies.
One only need to look to the example of our neighbor to the north, Canada, to understand the risk. That country passed a similar law to New York’s bill in 2016. Within a few short years, it was expanded to allow not only those with terminal illnesses, but also those with “chronic” illnesses, such as arthritis, to end their lives. In 2027, the law is set to expand to those whose only underlying condition is mental illness, such as depression, anxiety or anorexia.
At a time when New Yorkers are rightly concerned with issues such as affordability, crime, homelessness, federal cuts to Medicaid, behavioral health access, and their children’s education, it is unconscionable that lawmakers would consider now an appropriate time to legalize suicide for a segment of the population.
Think of the message this sends. Sadly, we are facing a suicide crisis among young people in our state, and the government rightly spends large sums of money to prevent these tragedies and to deliver a consistent message that life is worth living. Now our state will be telling its citizens that some lives – perhaps where there has been a loss of autonomy or a disability – are not worth living. We pray that the legislature reconsiders this disastrous public policy, and we call on Governor Hochul to exercise her veto authority should the bill come to her desk.
Contact your NYS Senator today to voice your opposition to this dangerous and deadly practice! Call or go to https://www.nyscatholic.org/action-center.
GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY – The Fourth Sunday of Easter typically brings us a gospel meditation on Jesus the Good Shepherd. It is, therefore, also an ideal and proper time for us to recommit ourselves to the work of fostering vocations to priesthood, the permanent diaconate and religious life. In a particular way, I ask you to be mindful of the men of our diocese who are currently in formation for priesthood.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY – In many ways, our mothers are the first shepherds of our lives. Their voices remain with us, guiding and nurturing us even into our adult lives. We thank all mothers for being the first teachers in the ways of faith and pray that the Lord will reward them for their sacrifices.
DIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the diocese of Rockville Centre is hosting a Diocesan Eucharistic Congress to be held on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, at St. Anthony’s High School in Huntington. This Congress is more than a gathering; it is meant to be a spark for a renewed fire of evangelization across Long Island. It will be a day of prayer, catechesis, and communion with Jesus Christ, truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist. The Congress will feature keynote talks, breakout sessions in multiple languages, Eucharistic Adoration, sacred music, confessions, and the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
In addition to the congress itself, there will be Eucharistic Pilgrimages taking place across the Diocese in the days leading up to the Congress as well as revival nights to accompany the pilgrimages. All the information about the Eucharistic Congress, the processions and the revival nights can be found at drvc.org/congress. Registration for attending the conference can also be found on the website.
Peace,
