What is The Nicasius Project?
The Nicasius Project is a movement of men and women of the Diocese of Pittsburgh praying and fasting together for Bishop Zubik and the return of sacraments in our diocese. We will take action by writing letters begging the bishop for the return of our sacraments.
St. Nicasius was a bishop and martyr who died saving the people who he shepherded. We beg for his intercession, along with St. Teresa of Avila, the great reformer of the Carmelite Order, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
We are asking everyone who joins our movement to commit to three things:
- Letter Campaign: Write, sign, and send a letter to Bishop Zubik begging him to reinstate the sacraments in our diocese. See the provided example letter, as well as instructions on how to address it so that Bishop Zubik himself reads these letters.
- Prayer: We will pray daily specifically for the return of the sacraments in our diocese, and for Bishop Zubik. In addition, we ask you to consider a daily (or at least regular) Holy Hour, Rosary, and Memorare for these intentions.
- Intense Fasting: We will fast daily specifically for the above intentions. This is important. Consider a food fast, with an addition of something else like cold showers, the "heroic minute", fasting from TV, etc.
Thank you for being a part of this movement. In times of tribulation and spiritual battle, great saints are made. I pray that you will all join those ranks!
PRAYER
Pray much. Pray often. Join us in praying for the specific intentions of:
- The reinstatement of the sacraments in the Diocese of Pittsburgh
- A deepened desire by our diocesan leaders to prioritize spiritual health over physical health
- Bishop Zubik to experience a flood of even greater devotion to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
FASTING
Let us devote ourselves to a period of intense daily fasting.
Consider a food fast, with an addition of something else like cold showers, the "heroic minute", fasting from TV, etc.
LETTER WRITING
Write, sign, and send a letter to Bishop Zubik begging him to reinstate the sacraments in our diocese.
We have provided a template letter as an example, so that we can campaign for the sacraments out of love. Feel free to use this or similar language! If you choose to write your own letter, please use this guide so that your language reflects charity.
To ensure that your letter reaches Bishop Zubik's desk, and hopefully reads the entire thing, we recommend you do the following:
- Address the letter to:
- His Excellency, David A. Zubik
- Diocese of Pittsburgh
- 111 Boulevard of the Allies
- Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1618
- Write "CONFIDENTIAL" on the outside of the envelope in large red letters
- Hand write the body of the letter if you are able to.
