“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18)

Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love

                                                                                                   (Pope Francis)

Let us make our own, the message of the Holy Father:

In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.

Faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and all our brothers and sisters. Hope as “living water” enabling us to continue our journey. Love, following in the footsteps of Christ, in concern and compassion for all, is the highest expression of our faith and hope.

Some of the reflections of Mother Enrichetta on the Cross

	Carry your daily cross well and follow your Spouse faithfully, whether He takes you to Calvary or to Tabor.
	I recommend you  to take up your cross from the hand of God in the spirit of faith, often repeating to yourself this most consoling thought: God knows all, God can do all, and He loves me!!
	Oh! If we truly had the great and infinite mercy of the good God always present before us, would not our heart be spurred on to love and gratitude, and be encouraged to pursue the way of the cross and sacrifice with generosity and constancy!
	The most painful cross is not that of suffering while working, but inactivity caused by slow illness which does not give hope for future improvement.

Message of the Holy Father

HAVE A GRACE-FILLED SEASON OF LENT!