by Faith Central & Steve Welsh
The Archdiocese of Chicago issued a statement noting that Ash Wednesday 2018 falls on February 14, a day on which many persons still celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day, but declared that no dispensation would be granted from the requirements of fasting and abstinence from meat. “In view of the significance of Ash Wednesday the obligation of fast and abstinence must naturally
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“… O my Lord, how You are the True Friend; and how Powerful! When You desire You can Love, and You never stop loving those who love You! … While in [a] great affliction … these words alone were enough to take it away and bring me complete quiet: ‘Do not fear, daughter; for I AM, and I will not
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“… the word ‘Lent’ does not pertain to darkness or despair. … The original meaning … has to do with springtime. … Lent … represents a new springtime in our spiritual lives. … when the darkness of sin is to give way to new Light of Grace. … Lenten practices … are harbingers of hope for a more Christ-centered way
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“In a new letter, the Pope Emeritus speaks of his declining strength but says he is surrounded by ‘love and goodness’ …”
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In the Gospel of Mark, at 7:20 et seq., Jesus reminds us of some of the evils that we must avoid, reject and overcome: “[Jesus] said to [His Disciples], ‘… Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?”
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“The upcoming observances of National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 11) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. …”
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“… Simon’s mother-in-law is like Job’s toiling, hopeless humanity. She is laid low by affliction but too weak to save herself. But as God promised to take His chosen people by the hand (see Isaiah 42:6), Jesus grasps her by the hand and helps her up. The word translated “help” is actually Greek for raising up. The same verb is
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“… Today’s Feast of Jesus’ Presentation at the temple 40 days after his birth places before our eyes a special moment in the life of the Holy Family: Mary and Joseph, in accordance with Mosaic law, took the tiny Jesus to the temple of Jerusalem to offer him to the Lord (cf. Lk 2: 22). Simeon and Anna, inspired by
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“Let us go to meet Christ, all we who fervently honor and venerate His Mystery; let us make our way towards Him with all our hearts. Let everyone without exception take part in this encounter and let all bring their lights along with them. If our candles give off such brightness it is first of all to demonstrate the divine
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