Christians around the world observed Ash Wednesday Feb. 18, marking the beginning of the Church’s season of Lent. On that day Pope Leo led an evening liturgy at a church in Rome. He said Christians should not view Lent as a private devotion, but should instead search for ways to introduce it to “the many restless people of good will” who are seeking “authentic ways to renew their lives.”
A writer reflected on our personal and collective responsibility in a world “that is ablaze,” as Pope Leo said in his Ash Wednesday homily.
The Ethiopian Catholic Church celebrates Lent according to both the Eastern (Ge‘ez) and Latin calendars. This dual observance blends traditional Ge‘ez liturgy with the universal Latin liturgical practice, underscoring Ethiopia’s unique place in the global Catholic community.
Christian, Muslim Holy Periods Coincide
Since Lent began for Christians and Ramadan began for Muslims on the same day, the Vatican offered a message that the two observances would “become a catalyst for a renewed world, where the weapons of war give way to the courage of peace.”
(See Archbishop Nelson Pérez’s message to the Muslim faith community in Philadelphia.)
Asian Catholics Blend Faith, Cultural Customs
Catholics in Asia – including Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia — celebrated Lunar New Year Feb. 17 through local customs, while placing Christ at the center of their family and community life.
(See Archbishop Nelson Pérez’s message to the Asian Catholic community in Philadelphia.)
Immigrants ‘Belong to Christ,’ Chicago Cardinal Says
In the United States, immigrants received words of encouragement at the start of Lent from Cardinal Blaise Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. He led an outdoor Mass and public procession on Ash Wednesday, telling participants the ashes they received were “a seal that says you belong to Jesus Christ” and “a reminder that you are citizens of a homeland that has no borders.”
Homeless in Siberia, Brazil; Health Care for All; Wars for None
Christians representing Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions continue to work together to address homelessness in a region of Siberian Russia, where some 36,000 unhoused people have access to only one shelter and 33 beds.
This week Pope Leo expressed his support for an initiative in Brazil addressing homelessness, and he told the Pontifical Academy for Life that wars are “the most grave attacks that human hands can make against life and public health.” Meanwhile the academy drew a panel of experts exploring how to make health care for all a reality.
Holy See Not on Board with Board of Peace
Saying “there are points that leave us somewhat perplexed,” the Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy See will not participate in President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. The cardinal said questions remained about the role of the United Nations regarding crisis situations, and skepticism regarding solutions to the Ukraine-Russia war.
Israel, Palestinian Conflicts Continue
In Gaza, the UN said Israel blocked three aid convoys out of a total of eight to the embattled enclave, including to a water treatment plant.
Meanwhile in the West Bank, Israel’s security cabinet last week approved major changes that would expand Israeli control beyond its military occupation into areas previously administered by Palestinian authorities.
Traditionalist Group Rejects Vatican Dialogue
The Society of St. Pius X rejected a call for dialogue offered by the Holy See. The society, which plans to ordain bishops this year without Vatican approval, said the proposed talks would not achieve the society’s goal of criticizing the legitimacy of the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
Pope Leo: Church is ‘Sign of Reconciliation’
During his weekly General Audience Feb. 18, Pope Leo XIV reflected on Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution “Lumen gentium,” emphasizing that the Church “is the mystery made perceptible” and is a sign of reconciliation in the midst of a fragmented humanity.
St. Peter’s Basilica Marks 400 Years
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome began a year of initiatives marking the 400th anniversary of the basilica’s dedication with spiritual, cultural, and technological features.
They include a new Way of the Cross devotion that Pope Leo will lead on Good Friday this year. The artistic expression of a Swiss artist was selected from among more than 1,000 submissions.
Devotion to St. Francis of Assisi, an App for St. Carlo Acutis
In Assisi, pilgrims for the first time will be able to pray before the remains of St. Francis, as this year marks the 800th anniversary of his death.
Devotion to St. Carlo Acutis, the young Italian man who died in 2006 at age 15 and was canonized last year, received a boost with a new mobile phone app developed by the St. Carlo Acutis Shrine & Center for Eucharistic Encounter in Malvern, Chester County.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez defined the app as “fantastic” and highlighted how connecting and serving the youth is one of his top priorities.
“The St. Carlo Acutis Shrine and this app will help our priests, teachers and parents when talking with our children about our Catholic faith. It supports our call to action, to live your faith every day,” he said.
Share this story