Lent is the 40-day period in which Christians are called to an inner journey of conversion of heart through prayer, fasting and charitable works. As the church makes its pilgrimage through Lent toward the observance of Jesus’ passion on the cross in holy week, and his resurrection from the dead at Easter, CatholicPhilly.com presents this section of Catholic resources, devotions and examples of faith in action during Lent. May your Lenten sacrifices and prayers bear fruit this year and always.
Leaders
Pope Francis’ message for Lent 2016, “The Works of Mercy on the Road to the Jubilee”
The pope’s letter “Misericordiae Vultus” declaring this year as the Jubilee Year of Mercy
The pope goes to confession, and wants you to as well
Archbishop Charles Chaput’s message for Ash Wednesday
Archbishop Chaput — Of Lenten films, and faith where it’s least expected
Archbishop Chaput — Some thoughts on the brink of Holy Week | En Espanol
Packages
Catholic News Service — Spirituality, the environment and Lent
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops — 40 Days of Mercy
Loyola Press — Living Lent Daily
Creighton University — Praying Lent
Catholic Online — Lent Events and Their Importance
Our Sunday Visitor — Lent: A Season of Giving?
Writers
Michelle Francl-Donnay — God remembers dust, not sins | Pope Francis writes to children | Second Week of Lent | First Week of Lent | Ash Wednesday
Msgr. Joseph Prior — Fourth Sunday of Lent | Third Sunday of Lent | Second Sunday of Lent | First Sunday of Lent
Chris Stefanick — Holy Week | Fifth Week of Lent | Fourth Week of Lent | Third Week of Lent | Second Week of Lent | First Week of Lent (with video) | Ash Wednesday
Carolyn Woo
Eric Banecker
Effie Caldarola
Father William Byron, S.J.
Father John Catoir
Gina Christian
Devotions
Catholics made 24 hours for Christ’s healing mercy
Scripture readings for daily Mass — read the text, or listen to a podcast
Stations of the Cross — Pray the 14-step devotion featuring the Stations’ panels from St. Monica Church, Berwyn
Confessions — Rediscovering the Sacrament of Penance, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops | Pope Francis on confessions
Pray as You Go — A daily audio tour through Lent, including a Scripture passage and music
Sacred Space — A daily online prayer guide
From Ashes to Glory — A weekly online retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Resources
CRS Rice Bowl: The little box that goes a very long way
5 ways to a more meaningful Lent
Almsgiving: Supporting the poor and needy in our community
Rules for fasting and abstinence
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