Pope Francis has described his vision of the Catholic Church as a field hospital in the middle of a terribly wounded world. The church herself is populated by wounded and sinful members, but by God’s grace she still serves as an instrument of healing and forgiving mercy. During Lent 2015, the Archdiocese of Chicago wants to bring the medicine of mercy not only to the Catholic faithful but also to anyone who stands in need of healing and forgiveness. How will we begin to do this? Across two days — Feb. 27-28 — the church in Chicago will offer special opportunities for the celebration of the sacrament of penance, for prayers of healing and for intercessory prayer for the gift of peace in our hearts, our families, our communities and our world. We will extend an invitation not only to Catholics but to all people of good will to join us in our churches. This effort is part of the final year of the Strategic Pastoral Plan — the Year of the Sacraments. Also part of this year is a month-by-month series of resources highlighting a particular sacrament each month. Resources include rituals for the commissioning and blessing of ministers, homily notes and opportunities for renewal. For more information visit www.archchicago.org/StrategicPastoralPlan/Sacraments.
Pope proposes Lenten resolution: Keep your eyes on Jesus This Lent, Christians should become “seekers of light” by keeping their sights set on the light of Jesus through prayer and participating in the sacraments, Pope Francis said.
Grad student creates Stations of the Cross with migration theme When Jacqueline Romo was considering what to do for her senior thesis project at Dominican University in 2019, she drew on her personal and faith journeys for inspiration and created “The Passion of the Monarca Migrante,” which uses the monarch butterfly and the plight of migrants to depict the Stations of the Cross.
Meditating on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert can enrich Lent Lent is a time of preparation for the commemoration of Jesus’ death and Resurrection and his ultimate second coming. To unpack this season, editor Joyce Duriga spoke with Kevin Pease, director of the Scripture School at the Institute for Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago.