Bishop issues call to spiritual arms
Editor’s Note: Bishop Carl A. Kemme issued the following message on Monday, March 17.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with deep sorrow and concern that we learned of a scheduled event in the state capital of Topeka, a so-called “Black Mass,” that is planned to take place outside of the Capitol Building on March 28, 2025. The organizers of this event claim to have a consecrated host, the Holy Eucharist, for the purposes of desecrating the host, which is a profoundly sacrilegious act that wounds the heart of our Catholic faith and offends God.
As your bishop, I implore you to join me in responding to this grave situation with fervent prayer and fasting. We are called to engage in spiritual warfare, to stand against the forces of evil that seek to undermine our faith and defile that which is most sacred to us.
Let us remember the words of St. Paul: “For we are not struggling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, the powers, and the cosmic rulers of this present darkness, and against the spirits of evil in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12)
To provide a focused time for prayer and solidarity, Archbishop Joseph Naumann has organized a holy hour and Mass to take place at the same time on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Assumption Catholic Church directly across the street from the Capitol Building. This event will begin at 11:00 a.m. Of course, you are invited to attend.
Because seating will naturally be limited, Archbishop Naumann has encouraged me and the other bishops of the state to conduct similar holy hours and Masses at the same time in our cathedrals. To that end, I will be leading a Holy Hour of Reparation in our cathedral, beginning at 11 a.m. followed by the usual noon Mass. If your schedule allows you to attend, please feel encouraged to do so.
In any event, I am also recommending for all adults a voluntary Lenten day of fasting such as we on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. It is voluntary, but I hope many will join me in this spiritual act to offer reparation for the offenses God receives because of this blatant show of evil.
Let us, as a united Body of Christ, lift our voices in prayer and our hearts in supplication. May our fasting and prayer be a powerful witness to our unwavering faith in the face of this spiritual attack.
Venerable Fr. Emil Kapaun, pray for us.
Most Reverend Carl A. Kemme D.D.
Bishop of Wichita