Lent begins on Wednesday 6 March. This is a time of conversion and penitence in preparation for Easter.
Pope Francis has addressed the following message to all Christians on the occasion of the 2019 Lenten season:
«When we live as children of God, redeemed, led by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 8:14) and capable of acknowledging and obeying God’s law, beginning with the law written on our hearts and in nature, we also benefit creation by cooperating in its redemption».
«This “eager longing”, this expectation of all creation, will be fulfilled in the revelation of the children of God, that is, when Christians and all people enter decisively into the “travail” that conversion entails. All creation is called, with us, to go forth “from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Rom 8:21). Lent is a sacramental sign of this conversion. It invites Christians to embody the paschal mystery more deeply and concretely in their personal, family and social lives, above all by fasting, prayer and almsgiving».
«Let us not allow this season of grace to pass in vain! Let us ask God to help us set out on a path of true conversion. Let us leave behind our selfishness and self-absorption, and turn to Jesus’ Pasch. Let us stand beside our brothers and sisters in need, sharing our spiritual and material goods with them. In this way, by concretely welcoming Christ’s victory over sin and death into our lives, we will also radiate its transforming power to all of creation».
All the celebration of Wednesday 6 March in the Basilica of St Anthony will include the rite of the imposition of the ashes (click here for the timetable). In particular, the 5:00pm Holy Mass, presided over by the Rector, Fr Oliviero Svanera, will be streamed live on this page.