Ash Wednesday:

Feast day : 14 February 2024

Today the Church observes Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a penitential season of forty days ending with the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (Easter Triduum). By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert. Through the penitential exercises of fasting, almsgiving and penances, we are called to strive for an interior conversion in our heart, a conscious turning away from sin and seeking refuge in the mercy of our loving Heavenly Father.

The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father. On his return, the father welcomes him with great joy and lavishes gifts on him. The beautiful robe, ring and the festive banquet are symbols of the new life – pure, worthy and joyful of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, the Church.

As Jesus said “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

Have a blessed Lent