Monitor Mag Feb 2024: LENT

Pope’s Lenten Message: Through the Desert God leads us to Freedom

Following is an excerpted version of Pope Francis’ 2024 Lenten Message.

Dear brothers and sisters!

When our God reveals himself, his message is always one of freedom:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex 20:2). These are the first words of the Decalogue given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Those who heard them were quite familiar with the exodus of which God spoke: the experience of their bondage still weighed heavily upon them. We call them “commandments”, in order to emphasize the strength of the love by which God shapes his people. The call to freedom is demanding. Just as Israel in the desert still clung to Egypt – today too, God’s people can cling to an oppressive bondage that it is called to leave behind. We realize how true this is at those moments when we feel hopeless, wandering through life like a desert and lacking a promised land as our destination.

When the Lord calls out to Moses from the burning bush, he immediately shows that he is a God who sees and, above all, hears: “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Today too, the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters rises to heaven. Let us ask ourselves: Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us?

During my visit to Lampedusa, I asked two questions, which have become more and more pressing: “Where are you?” (Gen 3:9) and “Where is your brother?” (Gen 4:9). Our Lenten journey will be concrete if, by listening once more to those two questions, we realize that

even today we remain under the rule of Pharaoh. A rule that makes us weary and indifferent. A model of growth that divides and robs us of a future.

The witness of many of my brother bishops and a great number of those who work for peace and justice has increasingly convinced me that we need to combat a deficit of hope that stifles dreams and the silent cry that reaches to heaven and moves the heart of God. This “deficit of hope” is not unlike the nostalgia for slavery that paralyzed Israel in the desert and prevented it from moving forward. An exodus can be interrupted: how else can we explain the fact that humanity has arrived at the threshold of universal fraternity and at levels of scientific, technical, cultural, and juridical development capable of guaranteeing dignity to all, yet gropes about in the darkness of inequality and conflict?

God has not grown weary of us. Let us welcome Lent as the great season in which he reminds us: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex 20:2). Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom. The desert is the place where our freedom can mature in a personal decision not to fall back into slavery. In Lent, we find new criteria of justice and a community with which we can press forward on a road not yet taken.

It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God. Love of God and love of neighbour are one love. Not to have other gods is to pause in the presence of God beside the flesh of our neighbour. For this reason, prayer, almsgiving and fasting are not three unrelated acts, but a single movement of openness and self-emptying, in which we cast out the idols that weigh us down, the attachments that imprison us.

Slow down, then, and pause! In the presence of God, we become brothers and sisters, more sensitive to one another: in place of threats and enemies, we discover companions and fellow travelers. This is God’s dream, the promised land to which we journey once we have left our slavery behind.

I bless all of you and your Lenten journey.

Rome, Saint John Lateran, 3 December 2023, First Sunday of Advent. FRANCIS

To read full text in English, visit www. vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/ lent/documents/20231203-messaggio-quaresima2024.html/

To read Spanish version, visit www. vatican.va/content/francesco/es/messages/ lent/documents/20231203-messaggio-quaresima2024.html

Pope Francis

An illustration by Mauro Pallotta, known as “Maupal,” for Pope Francis’ Lenten message for 2024 was released during a news conference at the Vatican Feb. 1, 2024. Lent begins Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday, and concludes March 28, Holy Thursday. CNS photo/courtesy Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

LENT 2024: What should I do?

A Message from BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

Lent is traditionally a time for prayer and fasting. This year, I am especially drawn to these words from my reading: “Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So, if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself.”

They are the words of St. Peter Chrysologus, one of the Church Fathers who lived in the late fourth and early fifth centuries (Sermon 43: PL 52, 320, 322), and are found in the Office of Readings of the Liturgy of Hours for Tuesday of the third week of Lent.  Pope Benedict XVI also quoted them in his Lenten Message 2009.

 He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.

St. Teresa of Calcutta once remarked, “As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst… ‘Repent and believe’ Jesus tells us. What are we to repent? Our indifference, our hardness of heart. What are we to believe?

Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor. He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”

Profound words, indeed! And our love for God and God’s love for us is not a passive thing. It leads somewhere and to something concrete in our relationships with one another. Lent is not simply a time for our introspection and meditation, for disconnected fasting and sacrifice. It is a season of purpose, set apart for the conversion of our hearts and lives.

Over the many years of my priestly ministry, Catholics have frequently asked me “Father, what should I do for Lent?”

I recall reading somewhere these words in one of the Lenten Messages of Pope Benedict XVI: “Lent stimulates us to let the Word of God penetrate our life and in this way to know the fundamental truth: who we are, where we come from, where we must go, what path we must take in life.”

Lent is the right path and the right place to continue our personal journey of faith and spiritual growth. And, so, might I suggest these Lenten practices:

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

The season of Lent does not come as a surprise. It is an annual part of every year in the Church, a 40-day period beginning on Ash Wednesday. As Catholics we can and should anticipate and prepare for it by deciding what kind of spiritual activities we will pursue as we prepare for Easter. We should make a plan of those activities and stick to it as best we can. The key to a successful Lent is not to overcomplicate it with multiple, burdensome practices that we cannot sustain for its duration. Keep it simple.

READ THE SCRIPTURES

Listen to God’s Word as it is proclaimed at Mass; reflect upon the claims that God’s Word makes upon you to whom it is addressed. Turn to the Lord Jesus and hear what he has to say to you. Don’t pass up the opportunity.

Pope Francis has said: “Listen to the Word of God, meditate on it together, pray with it, let the Lord fill your lives with mercy … I would like so much for all Christians to be able to comprehend ‘the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ’ through the diligent reading of the Word of God, for the sacred text is the nourishment of the soul and the pure and perennial source of the spiritual life of all of us.”

Pick up your Bible and read it, especially the Gospels. Make a point of doing it daily or often during Lent. Create a habit that you can continue beyond these 40 days. It’s not difficult. It’s right in front of you.

PRAY AND GIVE YOURSELF THE TIME TO DO SO

Prayer is something you can do anywhere, everywhere. Prayer is something you can do anytime, all the time. Just stop for a moment and remember that God is present. God wants to hear from you and about you. And God wants to speak if you would only give him the chance. Pray in the morning as you start your day.  Pray at night as your day ends. Pray during your day,

sinner too and has to go to another priest for Confession himself.

Pope Francis once remarked: “Someone can say, ‘I confess my sins only to God.’ Yes, you can say to God, ‘forgive me,’ and say your sins. But our sins are also against our brothers, against the Church. This is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness of the Church and of our brothers, in the person of the priest.”

“The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of healing,” he pointed out. “When I go to Confession, it’s for healing: healing the soul, healing the heart because of something that I did to make it unwell (General Audience, February 19, 2014).”

How often Pope Francis himself says, “I am a sinner!” And he’s the Pope! Ask for God’s mercy. It’s not difficult. It’s right in front of you.

even if it’s only to tell God you love him and you need him. Pray alone. Pray with others, especially at Mass. Use your own words; use words that are familiar. Pray for yourself, pray for others, especially for those you love and who love you. Pray for those who do not. Pray with your family. Don’t be embarrassed. Just do it.

In his Lenten Message 2015, Pope Francis wrote: “Let us all ask the Lord: make our hearts like yours (Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). In this way we will receive a heart which is firm and merciful, attentive and generous, a heart which is not closed.”

Don’t make a big, complicated deal of it. Just do it. It’s not difficult. It’s right in front of you.

GO TO CONFESSION

Whether it’s been a long time or last month, the Sacrament of Penance brings healing, grace and peace of mind and heart. What are you waiting for? Why put it off any longer? You know yourself and your weaknesses and sins.  Are you trying to hide from yourself? You can’t. God knows your weaknesses and sins. Are you trying to hide from him? You can’t. The Scriptures remind us: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you (Jeremiah 1: 5).” Are you afraid of the priest?  Forget it because he is a

SACRIFICE SOMETHING

Give something up that might pinch a little. This is a long-standing Lenten tradition, and we can all think of something “to give up for Lent.” The season of Lent begins with fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and continues with abstinence from meat on all its Fridays until the fast and abstinence of Good Friday. Fast and abstain when the Church asks you to and don’t make excuses. Do it so that the hunger or emptiness you feel might remind you that you need God more in your life than anything else.

Thomas a Kempis wrote in “The Imitation of Christ”: “Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God’s sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.”

In his Lenten Message for 2014, Pope Francis wrote: “Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.”

It’s not difficult. It’s right in front of you.

SHOW MERCY, KINDNESS AND CHARITY

And not because others have earned it. Show mercy, kindness and charity especially when they don’t deserve it. Forgive. Be slow to judge. Give people a break. Show a little compassion. That’s what the Lord Jesus does and what we ask of him, sinners that we all are. Do something good for someone. It’s not difficult. It’s right in front of you.

IF YOU DROP THE BALL, PICK IT UP AGAIN AND GET BACK IN THE GAME

Forty Days is a significant period of time. Don’t be discouraged if your stumble with any of your Lenten practices. Just pick up where you left off and keep going.

This Lent, let us call on the Lord’s name so that Lent 2024 may be a time of growth in true holiness, not only a matter of “what should I do” as a Catholic, but also “who should I be?” It is not that difficult. Don’t make it difficult. May your observance, our observance of the season of Lent this year bear great fruit!

Guidelines for Lenten penitential season

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

During the days and weeks of penance that lie ahead — from Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024, until Holy Thursday morning, March 28, 2024 — the Catholic Church throughout the world commemorates the penitential season of Lent ending with the Sacred Triduum of Holy Week. The model Jesus gave us for “these 40 days” was his own experience in the desert and the temptations that followed him there where he encountered Satan face to face. And yet, Jesus, there in the desert — alone, fasting and in intense prayer — beat back the devil and triumphed over temptation, as strong and as unrelenting as it was throughout those 40 days.

We enter the desert of Lent like Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, to face our devils, our temptations head on. But we are not alone. The Lord Jesus Christ is with us. And so, too, is the Church, the entire community of faith observing Lent. Here is what the Catholic Church in the United States requires of us as baptized Catholics:

1. The days of FAST (only one full meal) and ABSTINENCE (no meat) are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. No dispensations are granted on these solemn days except for reason of sickness or those provided in canon law below. ALL OTHER

jeopardize their health by fasting.

3. Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to FAST (only one full meal) as noted above. From the age of 14, people are also obliged to ABSTAIN: this obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat.

FRIDAYS OF LENT are days of ABSTINENCE.

The pastor of a parish has the faculty to give a dispensation to individual parishioners in his parish and the Diocesan Bishop alone has the authority to dispense groups of Catholics but only for a serious reason.

2. Those who are automatically dispensed from fast and abstinence regulations outside the age limits noted below include: the physically or mentally ill, especially individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also included in the dispensation are women who are pregnant or nursing. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further

1. Ashes should be distributed in an appropriate liturgical manner on Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024. “Drive-thru” distribution and self-imposition of ashes (leaving ashes in Church for people to impose on themselves) are prohibited.

2. Please instruct your parishioners concerning these Lenten Regulations in your homily, announcements, bulletins, or websites/ social media on the weekends of February 3-4 and 10-11, 2024.

3. The Rite of Election is February 18, 2024, at 3:00 pm in the

The obligation to observe the laws of fast and abstinence is a serious one for Catholics. Failure to observe one penitential day in itself is not considered a serious sin. It is the intentional failure to observe any penitential days at all, or a substantial number of penitential days, that must be considered a serious matter.

5. The obligation, the privilege really, of receiving the Eucharist at least once a year — often called “Easter duty” — for those in the state of grace should still be fulfilled during the period from the First Sunday of Lent, February 17-18, 2024, to Trinity Sunday, May 25-26, 2024. However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause.

H oly A

St. Rap hae l-

I want to encourage all Catholics, especially those who are conscious of serious sin, to go to Confession and to make use of the sacrifices and traditions that have always been part of our Lenten practices in the Church.

We do, indeed, fast and pray with the Lord Jesus and with our fellow Catholics. May this Lent be a time of Penance leading to grace and joy for us all at Easter.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton

Co-Cathedral. Catechumens are required to attend unless excused by the Bishop at the request of the pastor.

4. General Absolution: General Absolution is NOT permitted in the Diocese of Trenton without the Bishop’s permission in accordance with the provisions of canon law. Encourage individual Confessions during Lent. Priests may contact me if there is a concern.

5. The Easter Vigil is not to be celebrated before dark, that is, not before sunset (7:30 pm EST).

Station Churches of Mercer County offers Lenten pilgrimage experience for all

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

Faithful of the Diocese and beyond are invited to spend part of their Lenten observance by going on a local pilgrimage in Mercer County.

Once again, the Catholic parishes in Mercer County are adapting an ancient Roman tradition that traces its roots as far back as the late second and early third century by inviting others to visit their churches and celebrate evening Mass during Lent.

It had been an annual practice during Lent that Catholics living in Rome would make a pilgrimage to the basilicas and churches located throughout the city. A different “station church” was designated each day for Catholics from around the city to gather for Mass early in the morning as a visible reminder of the unity of the Church.

The Station Churches of Mercer County initiative began in 2013 by Msgr. Vincent Gartland and Msgr. Michael Walsh, both of whom were pastors of Mercer County parishes. The initiative

evolved into an annual Lenten offering over the years with the greater majority of parishes participating. Along with attending Mass, visitors to the parishes can expect to learn about their history through presentations given before Mass or after Communion, and some parishes even lead tours.

Looking ahead to the start of the 2024 pilgrimage, which will begin Feb. 16, Msgr. Dennis Apoldite sees it as an “opportunity for us to glean a bit of history as we make our way to the various churches throughout the county.”

St. Joseph Church, Trenton, will serve as the first site of the 2024 Station Churches of Mercer County. Mass will be celebrated Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. Archive photo

Msgr. Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and episcopal vicar of Mercer County, reflected on the Mercer County parishes that are participating

Feb. 16 – 7 p.m. • St Joseph Church, 540 North Olden Ave., Trenton

Feb. 20 – 6 p.m. • St. Anthony of Padua Church, 251 Franklin St., Hightstown

Feb. 22 – 7 p.m. • St. Paul Church, 216 Nassau St., Princeton

Feb. 26 – 7 p.m. • St. John the Baptist Church, 1282 Yardville-Allentown Rd., Allentown

Feb. 27 – 7 p.m. • St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, 151 North Warren St., Trenton

Feb. 28 – 7 p.m. • Incarnation Church, 1545 Pennington Rd., Ewing

Feb. 29 – 7 p.m. • Our Lady of

Sorrows Church, 3816 East State St. Ext., Hamilton

March 5 – 7 p.m. • St. David the King Church, 1 New Village Rd., Princeton Junction

March 6 – 7 p.m. • St. James Church, 11 E Paul Ave., Trenton

March 7 – 7 p.m. • Holy Cross Church, 227 Adeline St., Trenton

March 8 – 6 p.m. • Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 137 W. Upper Ferry Rd., West Trenton

March 11 – 7 p.m. • St. George Church, 1370 River Rd., Titusville

March 13 – 7 p.m. • St. Anthony Church, 626 S. Olden Ave., Trenton

in the 2024 pilgrimage, saying that each church has a special history and its own particular treasures. One such example might include St. Paul Parish, Princeton, having an 88-foot high bell tower that

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March 14 – 7 p.m. • St. Joachim Church, 19 Bayard St., Trenton

March 19 – 7 p.m. • Sacred Heart Church, 343 South Broad St., Trenton, March 21 – 7 p.m. • St. Ann Church, 1253 Lawrence Rd., Lawrenceville

March 22– 7 p.m. • St. Raphael Church, 3500 South Broad St., Hamilton

The pilgrimage will conclude with the celebration of the Chrism Mass on the Monday of Holy Week, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold.

THE SCHEDULE FOR THE MERCER COUNTY PILGRIMAGE FOLLOWS:

Flavorful Fridays Sacrifice sharpens appreciation for the simple

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

During a recent small group session at my parish when discussing the Eucharistic meal of the Mass, our group agreed that God intentionally appeals to our human senses when he wants to make an impression.

Having created us both body and soul as a way to experience the world and come to know him, I’m certain it’s no accident that things we encounter through our senses leave an impact; if it’s a positive experience, we yearn for more. A delicious meal is probably my favorite example.

Although I’m not sure I qualify as a foodie – there are some spices and textures that remain foreign to me or downright unappealing – I have grown in my adult years to appreciate a variety of cuisines that spring from different cultural influences. And I enjoy trying to replicate those flavors in my own kitchen, and in the kitchens of those for whom I cook. I’m in the process of starting a personal chef business, and I

love the prospect of preparing good food from scratch for those who might not have the time to cook for themselves.

The warm memory associated with certain foods keeps me returning to old favorites, while a new spin on a dish or an unexpected flavor combination piques my curiosity. Given that God is the original source of all these tantalizing ingredients is proof enough to me that he designed us to enjoy meals, to savor his banquet.

So, it’s no great surprise that the Mass and the Eucharistic meal appeals to all five of our senses: sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing. We are surrounded by artistry and ritual that turn our thoughts heavenward, we smell the burning incense, we hear songs of praise and petition, we taste the consecrated

MUSHROOM BULGUR PILAF

Adapted from https://medlineplus.gov • Servings: 4-6

INGREDIENTS

1 cup onion, chopped (1 medium onion)

1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

3 cups sliced or chopped mushrooms (can substitute cubed tofu or tempeh)

3/4 cup bulgur

1 1/2 to 2 cups low-sodium broth (any type)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cups packed fresh spinach, chopped

STEPS

Body and Blood of Christ.

Jesus gave himself to us in a meal. He could have just given us his Word and called it sufficient. But instead, he gave us a Sacrament that involves our senses, that we might experience him with our whole selves.

When Lent calls us to abstain from meat on Fridays, that sacrifice changes the sensation. We omit a central element, and for those of us who regularly enjoy meat, it does feel like something is missing. Texture and taste are altered in its absence.

But what if that omission helps to elevate the resulting simplicity of our meal?

Removing the star attraction entrusts the remaining ingredients to make up for its absence. When you don’t have the flavor of the meat overpowering the dish, suddenly the supporting cast of ingredients can take center stage and be recognized for their own beautiful characteristics. Herby, earthy, chewy, crunchy, bright, spicy – all of these sensations can come to the forefront through humble ingredients from the farmer’s market or personal gardens.

And it’s probably not unlike how Jesus and his disciples ate on a regular basis. Moving from town to town as Jesus spread the Good News, they were bound to make use of what was available and affordable; meat would have been a very occasional luxury.

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté onions in oil until they are softened.

2. Add mushrooms and sauté until beginning to brown, stirring often. Stir in bulgur and continue to stir until browned.

3. Add broth, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Cover pan and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until bulgur is tender and liquid is absorbed.

4. Remove from heat. Mix in the spinach and serve. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Although we Easter people look forward to the feasts associated with Jesus’ Resurrection, Lent is a great opportunity to appreciate the simple. Here’s an easy recipe that features mushrooms in place of meat, complementing the ancient grain bulgur with their savory umami flavor.

EmmaLee Italia is a contributing editor to The Monitor and sole proprietor of Flavors by EmmaLee LLC. For more information email chef@flavorsbyemmalee.com.

medlineplus.gov image

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STATION CHURCHES

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houses five bells – three of which were cast in bronze at the Paccard Foundry in Annecy, France, and were installed in 1957 by Professor Arthur L. Bigelow, Princeton carillonneur.

Another example visitors would be interested to learn about is that Sacred Heart Parish is the oldest parish in the state. Also, they will have an opportunity to visit St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, which is

PLANNING TO MOVE?

the Diocese’s Mother Church and where a number of major diocesan celebrations are held such as the ordinations of priests and deacons.

Along with factoids about church structures and architecture, visitors might learn about the roles or impact parishes have had in diocesan history and changes they experienced over the years.

Extending an invitation to all prospective pilgrims, Msgr. Apoldite said, “Join in as many visits you are able and ask God’s blessing upon on all who journey with you during this Lenten pilgrimage of 2024.”