Spirituality
Lent in wartime: God is not distant from our trials
In the context of the war in Ukraine, Msgr. Joseph Prior explains that God enters into the dark side of the human condition and helps to lead us through it -- a victory of good over evil.
Centuries-old Marian icon offers solace in time of war
Orthodox and Catholic Christians are turning to Mary's image known as the Pokrova for protection and comfort amid the tragedy of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Fasting, especially now, strengthens our bond with the Father
Our Lenten sacrifices might seem small compared to what Jesus faced or to what the Ukrainians are enduring now, but Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the value of overcoming life's small temptations.
Entering a Lent ‘which bids us lovingly’
Like many, Lindsey Weishar finds she skirts the edge of the desert of Lent. But the season invites us to enter that place of fasting, prayer and mercy, and there embrace God fully.
Repentance: The act of rejecting temptation
The First Sunday of Lent shows Jesus rejecting temptation even at his weakest. The Lenten season calls us to repentance and an inner conversion to a new way of life in Christ.
Readings of the Holy Mass – First Sunday of Lent
Read, listen to or watch videos of the Mass readings with these resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, using the New American Bible, Revised Edition.
‘Holy Mary’: Pray the Rosary for Peace
First offered by the USCCB after the 9/11 attacks, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary for Peace are presented here in union with Pope Francis' urging for everyone to pray for peace in Ukraine.
Christians to mark Ash Wednesday in Philadelphia
Lent for Christians throughout the world begins today, and Archbishop Pérez will be the main celebrant for Mass at the cathedral. March 2 also is a day of fasting for peace in Ukraine.
As Lent begins, we fast for peace and renew our lives
Father Christopher Moriconi suggests that we dedicate not only fasting on this Ash Wednesday for peace in Ukraine, but for prayer and almsgiving as well this Lent so that the season does not pass us by unchanged.
Rules for fasting and abstinence
See the Lenten guides prescribed by the Catholic bishops of the United States, as a minimal obligation, for eating meals on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent.