With Ash Wednesday marking the start of our Lenten journey, let us pause and take a look at some reflections and events from Rome, which will help us find more meaning in the season…

Holy Father’s Words of Wisdom

On the 40 Days of Lent

During his general audience, Pope Benedict XVI gives deeper insight as to why Lent lasts for exactly 40 days, and suggests that we should use this time to meditate more on the Word.

Video courtesy of Rome Reports.

Here is the full catechesis Benedict XVI gave during the general audience held in the Paul VI Hall.  Read more >>

From Dust to Dust

Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Sta. Sabina, where he reminded the people about mankind’s origin and the significance of the imposition of ashes during the ceremony.

Video courtesy of Rome Reports.

Here is another reflection from the Holy Father on the symbolism of ashes.  Read more >>

Events

Mission Metropolis

The Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization will embark on a pilot project this Lent called “Mission Metropolis.”  12 European dioceses will be participating in this project, which is led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of this new Pontifical Council.

Video courtesy of Rome Reports.

Here is a news article expounding on the objectives and themes of this project. Read more>>

Interviews

A Very Ancient Tradition

Father Riley Williams, a priest from the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, tells us a bit about the history, as well as the significance of the yearly tradition of the “Lenten station churches.”   He shares that, “the tradition of visiting different churches during Lent began with the practice of the pope to make pastoral visits to the different areas of the city, beginning even as far back as the time of the persecutions.”  Lent begins at Santa Sabina (see photo), a fourth century basilica that contains the oldest depiction of the crucifixion in Christian art. Read more >>