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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Celebrating Lent and Easter
Lent, for believers, is a time of penance and fasting. During this holy season we challenge ourselves to ever greater mindfulness of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for our salvation. We give up something we enjoy or perform some positive actions for others, as a sign of our willingness to share in the suffering of Christ – and the suffering of His people.
Through these 40 days of repentance we become more aware of our own faults and failings – all those habits of thought and action that keep us from coming closer to God. We resolve to do better, to live with greater integrity, to love more completely. We give and receive forgiveness.
Lent is also a time of anticipation. We know that these 40 days are a time of preparation for the greatest celebration of all - Christ’s Resurrection. Through the Resurrection we all live in hope for the promise of eternal life.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows welcomes all pilgrims who wish to make the Shrine a part of their Lenten journey. Many liturgical and ministerial events are planned for those seeking to enrich their spiritual lives during this meaningful season. Lent is a time to draw closer to the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
During Holy Week the Shrine offers several special events, including dramatic presentations of the Way of the Cross and special liturgies on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. This shows that Lent is not only about history, but about mystery as well. The events and themes surrounding Christ’s suffering and death are relevant today, and have significance in our everyday lives.
Finally there is Easter, the Church’s highest feast. The Shrine family will celebrate with an Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and Masses on Easter Sunday. What better way to welcome Easter and spring at the same time than at the Shrine. With its natural beauty and budding gardens, the Shrine serves as a reminder of new life and renewal.
Lenten Journey Over The Internet
If you are unable to visit the
Shrine during the season of Lent you
can still take part in our special journey
to Easter over the internet by visiting
www.oblatesusa.org.
During each day of Lent Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I. will read a prayer and meditation specifically focused on that particular day of Lent. These prayers and reflections will be located on a link from the homepage.
Visitors to the site can also click on the daily prayer section which will provide more insight and inspiration during the Lenten season.