“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
“The Year of Prayer is dedicated to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in personal life, in the life of the church and in the world.” – Pope Francis
The Friars have a wealth of resources, perfect additions to your Lent this Year of Prayer.
Lent, A Season of Renewal
Pope Francis tells us that Lent is a new beginning, a path towards continual conversion of heart. We hope that you’ll join with us in this journey towards Easter by praying the Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal as well as by reading the regularly updated Lenten Reflections below.
Fr. Bob’s Lenten Reflections
Easter Sunday – The Promise of New Life
On Holy Saturday each year, the Catholic Church celebrates the Easter Vigil, a unique occasion that differs from a typical Sunday Mass. During this special liturgy, we light a new Paschal candle, we bless fresh holy water, consecrate new hosts, and new members are warmly welcomed into the Catholic family through the Sacraments.
Good Friday – The Ultimate Act of Love
We have no choice today but to confront death. It’s uncomfortable and we don’t like it. We’d much rather be cheery and think happy thoughts. But the image of two pieces of wood forbids it. Those crossed beams tell us, harshly, that somebody died there, to save our lives, with eternal love.
Holy Thursday – The Eucharist and Service
The night before His crucifixion, Jesus wrestled with a complicated dilemma. He had to go, but He wanted to stay. In His own words, “If I do not go, the Holy Spirit will not come to you.” Still, He desired to remain with us. He did not want to leave us alone, by ourselves.
Palm Sunday – A Declaration of Jesus’ Humility
We begin Holy Week on Palm Sunday, remembering Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem. It is the first significant event of the week leading up to His passion.
Fifth Week of Lent – Let Christ Transform Us
When we read the Gospels carefully, we quickly realize that the message of Jesus is one of transformation. Every story He told, every action He took, and every word He spoke was an appeal for change – change for the better.
Fourth Week of Lent – Let Your Compassion Show
As Jesus carried His cross to Calvary, He endured unimaginable physical and emotional suffering. He had been brutally beaten and mocked. He was forced to bear the weight of the cross in the presence of hostile crowds.
Third Week of Lent – Prayer and Forgiveness
Lent offers a powerful opportunity to remind ourselves that prayer is not a monologue, but a dialogue. It invites us to reflect on the depth of our prayer lives – both private and liturgical.
Second Week of Lent – We Carry Our Cross
Throughout our lives, we all bear the weight of the cross. The disappointments, the addictions, the insecurities, the illnesses, the death of loved ones. The cross is a part of our human condition. We each carry our cross, and we are surrounded by our brothers and sisters who carry their own.
First Week Of Lent – Celebrate New Life
As we begin Lent, nature invites us to reflect on two words: "New life." Buds will soon bloom into colorful flowers, trees will be clothed in fresh green leaves, and the air will be filled with sweet, fragrant scents. This season of renewal calls us to embrace the newness that God offers.
Lenten Reflection for Ash Wednesday
A Special Prayer for the Lenten Season
Easter Sunday – Rejoice in Christ!
"In the midst of the trials and troubles that come upon the people of God, these things cannot destroy our hope; we look beyond."
Good Friday – The Saddest of Days
As we come to the end of Lent, we arrive at what is the saddest of days-Good Friday. On Good Friday you cannot avoid the Christian issue.
Holy Thursday – Love One Another
We have so much in our liturgy. We commemorate the beginning of the priesthood. The days we celebrate are the holiest time for our church.
Palm Sunday – Dare to Believe
Jesus looked so weak on that hill that day
He had no sword and no spear, not even one soldier on His side.
All of the cards were stacked against Him
Fifth Week of Lent – Victory on Calvary
This is the last Sunday in Lent. Today we reflect upon the 40 days to repent, and believe in the Gospel. Lent will end in Holy Week.
Fourth Week of Lent – No Greater Love
One fact rings loud and clear from Calvary: where God's love is concerned, we mortals are ignorant and very uncomprehending.
Third Week of Lent – Focus on the Cross
The preface for the Mass at the start of Lent refers to this “Joyful Season.”
Second Week of Lent – God’s Plans for Us
During Lent, if we forget everything else in our relationship with God, we need to remember that we are called into an unbreakable covenant with the Divine.
First Week of Lent – What is Lent All About?
Only love makes Christ believable. Only love makes sense out of Lent, out of the passion and death of Christ.
Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2024
When our God reveals himself, his message is always one of freedom: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex 20:2).
Lenten Reflection for Ash Wednesday
A Special Prayer for the Lenten Season