Bishop Anthony’s Lenten Message
LENTEN PENANCE
The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council taught that the Lenten liturgy has a twofold means of preparation. By remembering their own Baptism and undertaking penance, the liturgy assists in the renewal and ongoing formation of the faithful (cf. Sacrosanctum Concilium 109). The formation of catechumens via the various stages of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is equally an important part of Lent (cf. GIRM 27).
For both the local community of the faithful and the elect, Lent is a time of grace and mercy whereby the Holy Spirit greets and renews those who seek to live as disciples of the Lord Jesus, who is our light and our salvation (cf. Psalm 27).
The Season of Lent commences on Ash Wednesday. Lent particularly useful time to reconnect with our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ; to reflect upon our spiritual pilgrimage both as individuals and as one community of disciples.
In our Catholic tradition, Lent is commemorated as a time for conversion, repentance, and renewal. Marking our foreheads with ashes in the sign of the cross on Ash Wednesday is an outward sign of internal conversion. It is also an invitation to “Turn away from sin and believe the good news”. In this annual invitation, we acknowledge our human vulnerability, and we pray to be strengthened by God’s grace, mercy, and love.
Go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QrGgURlZ8FHgCg5KrC9UmrzntVBLqe6J/view?usp=drive_link , to read Bishop Anthony’s full Lenten Message
