February 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

February is the month dedicated to the Holy Family

February 7-14, National Marriage Week

February 11, World Day of the Sick. "The compassion of the Samaritan: loving by bearing one another's pain”

Let your face shine on your servant. 

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, SON, MOTHER, AND HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Dear faithful readers, just when you thought it was safe to go outside in the new calendar year, it's time to turn another page on the calendar. At the same time, we are privileged to see that we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on the 2nd. 

Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all peoples; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.

(Luke 2:29-32)

May we, too, go in peace these days. Jesus is the Peace the world does not give. 

As usual, it's another busy month. This month is dedicated to the Holy Family, and not only can we invoke Jesus, Mary, and Joseph each and every day, we can also invoke beloved Saint Francis of Assisi, especially as the Holy Father proclaimed a Jubilee Year of Saint Francis to commemorate the 800th anniversary of il Poverello's death. Have you ever been to Assisi? If not, you might add it to your list of travel destinations. You will not be disappointed. And get ready for Ash Wednesday and the holy season of Lent, coming soon to a theatre near you. Mark your calendar for February 18, that would be Ash Wednesday. Then comes the first Sunday of Lent on the 22nd, a day to also commemorate Saint Peter's Chair. Have you ever been to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome to see the golden chair of the rock on which the Church is built? While there you can also see the bones of Saint Peter, the Scavi, if you book in advance. If not, you can certainly see that on your Italian pilgrimage. You are going to be busy. Don't be too busy, however, to skip out on a gelato, or three or more. Yum.

Some other notables are February 10 to commemorate Saint Scholastica, whose twin brother is Saint Benedict. If you are keeping up with the daily reading of the Holy Rule, you will find yourself still in Chapter 7, Humility, the fourth step, all the way to Chapter 23, on Excommunication. The same day, the 10th, that is, sees the Shipwreck of Saint Paul, the birth of the Maltese Church. Up for the 11th is the ever-popular 6th-century Irish Saint Gobnait, the patron saint of bees, beekeepers, and the sick. "Least is the bee among winged things, but she reaps the choices of harvests" (Sirach 11:3). On the 26th we have Saint Alexander of Alexandria who hopefully was never confused about his name and where he was from. One never knows, though. 

What is one way to prepare for Lent? First, go to Chapter 49 of the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, where our holy father exhorts us, among other things, "to add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food and drink, so that each of us will have something above the assigned measure to offer God of his own will with the joy of the Holy Spirit" (RB 49:5-6). Keep reading because we can also deny ourselves needless talking and idle jesting and still look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual long (RB 49:7). How will you make this Lent one of joy? And don't forget to look to Chapter 48 on The Daily Manual Labor. It is there that we find that we are to read the whole of a book straight through (RB 48:15). What spiritual reading will you tackle this season? 

Last and not least, kind of, what follows is the customary Ash Wednesday offering by Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

Fast of judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast on emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out Your work. Amen.

Since we will move into the Lenten desert this month, how about we hear from the Desert Mothers and Fathers. We go to them, then, for a word or two ....*

Abba Gregory said, "These three things God requires of all the baptized: right faith in the heart, truth on the tongue, temperance in the body.

Abba Poemen said, "Teach your heart to guard that which your tongue teaches."

Another of the old men questioned Amma Theodora saying, "At the resurrection of the dead, how shall we rise?" She said, "As pledge, example, and prototype we have Him who died for us, and is risen, Christ our God.

Abba Pambo said, "If you have a heart, you can be saved."

Abba Paul said, "Keep close to Jesus."

Amma Syncletica said, "There are many who live in the mountains and behave as if they were in town, and they are wasting their time. It is possible to be a solitary in one's mind while living in a crowd, and it is possible for one who is a solitary to live in the crowd of his own thoughts. 

Amma Sarah said, "If I prayed God that all men approve of my conduct, I shall find myself a penitent at the door of each one, but I shall rather pray that my heart be pure towards all.

Abba Sisoes said, "Seek God, and do not seek where He dwells."

Abba Arsenius said, 

"If we seek God, He will shew Himself to us, and if we keep Him, He will remain close to us.

Abba Anthony said, "Our life and our death is with our neighbor. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our brother, we have sinned against Christ.

Abba Or also said, "If you have spoken evil of your brother, and you are stricken with remorse, go and kneel before him and say: "I have spoken badly of you, let this be my surety that I will not spread this slander further." For detraction is death to the soul.

Thankfully, we have more than a few saints to commemorate this month. May they intercede for us as we begin our Lenten journey. All saints, please pray for us.

SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI,

SAINT BRIGID,

SAINT HENRY MORSE,

BLESSED BENEDICT DASWA,

BLESSED CANDELARIA OF SAINT JOSEPH,

SAINT ANSGAR, BISHOP,

SAINT BLAISE,

SAINT LAURENCE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT DUNSTAN OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT THEODORE OF CANTERBURY,

SAINT WERBURG,

SAINT ANNE LINE, NEE HEIGHAM,

BLESSED ANTHONY OF PAVONIO OP,

BLESSED BARTHOLOMEW OF CERVERIO OP,

BLESSED PETER OF RUFFIA OP,

SAINT GILBERT OF SEMPRINGHAM,

SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO,

BLESSED MARIE-EUGENE GRIALOU,

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

SAINT JOHN OF LEONISSA,

SAINT AGATHA, VIRGIN, MARTYR,

SAINT PAUL MIKI AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS,

SAINT MEL,

SAINT JEROME EMILIANI,

SAINT JOSEPHINE BAKHITA,

SAINT CUTHMAN OF STEYNING,

SAINT TEILO,

SAINT APOLLONIA,

SAINT SCHOLASTICA, VIRGIN,

SAINT PAUL,

OUR LADY OF LOURDES,

SAINT GOBNAIT,

BLESSED REGINALD OF ORLEANS OP,

SAINT JULIAN THE HOSPITALLER,

SAINT HUMBELINE, 

SAINT CATHERINE DE RICCI,

BLESSED JORDAN OF SAXONY OP,

BLESSED JAMES MILLER,

SAINTS CYRIL, MONK, AND METHODIUS, BISHOP,

SAINT CLAUDE LA COLOMBIERE,

BLESSED NICHOLAS OF PAGLIA OP,

SAINT ONESIMUS,

THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITE ORDER,

SAINT FINTAN OF CLONENAGH,

BLESSED WILLIAM RICHARDSON,

BLESSED JOHN OF FIESOLE OP,

SAINT JACINTA AND FRANCISCO MARTO,

SAINT CONRAD OF PIACENZA,

BLESSED ALVAREZ OF CORDOBA OP,

BLESSED CHRISTOPHER OF MILAN OP,

SAINT PETER DAMIAN, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SERVANT OF GOD BLANDINA SEGALE,

SAINT ROBERT SOUTHWELL,

SAINT PETER,

SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP, MARTYR,

BLESSED JOSEPHA GIRBES,

BLESSED THOMAS MARIA FUSCO,

BLESSED CONSTANTIUS OF FABRIANO OP,

SAINT ETHELBERT,

BLESSED MARIA ADEODATA PISANI,

SAINT WALBURGA,

SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA,

SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,

SAINT OSWALD,

BLESSED VILLANA DE BOTTI,

PRAY FOR US.

*All quotations come from The Sayings of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection, translated by Benedicta Ward (Cistercian Publications, 1984).

This month's photo: Welcome to a full moon on February 1, 2026. When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you set in place.

© Gertrude Feick 2026

Ash Wednesday/Lent

Jubilee Holy Year 2025: Pilgrims of Hope

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

April is the month dedicated to the Divine Mercy

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

MARY, VIRGIN MOST POWERFUL,

MARY, MOTHER OF HOPE,

SAINT JOSEPH, SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

DIVINE MERCY, SWEET RELIEF FROM ANGUISHED HEARTS,

I TRUST IN YOU.

Welcome to Ash Wednesday and the days following up to the First Sunday of Lent, now in March dedicated to Saint Joseph, the month that leads us to the month of April, the month dedicated to the Divine Mercy. 

Often, we enter the holy season of Lent with vigor and enthusiasm. We pray to cleanse ourselves of all that keeps us from growing closer to the Lord. We repent and ask our Lord for forgiveness for our faults and failings, to seek reconciliation with our neighbors, especially those with whom we live and work. And with that we add to the usual measure of our service something by way of private prayer and abstinence from food and drink, or in other words, we deny ourselves some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting, as Saint Benedict teaches in Chapter 49 of the Holy Rule, "The Observance of Lent." As laudatory as all this is, it came to me this morning, tired already, that perhaps it might help to enter these holy days gently. It can happen that our initial vigor wanes as the days go on. The daily happens and we experience setbacks and just do not seem to be following our initial Lenten program so to speak. So, why not enter these days fully engaged, with a certain vigor, but simultaneously remember the God of mercy who loves us tenderly, with compassion and love. Remember, as Venerable Fulton Sheen said, "You are infinitely precious because you are loved by God." Infinitely precious; no matter what. Together, united in faith and prayer, whatever we offer to God these days, we want to offer it with the joy of the Holy Spirit so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (See RB 49).  We are in the Jubilee Holy Year of Hope. And, as Saint Paul writes, "Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Romans 5:5). Be full of the love of God that has been given to you. His Love will sustain you. And remember with me: "I have the strength for everything through Him who empowers me" (Philippians 4:13). 

Hope is knowing that I have

been forgiven, my guilt removed.

Hope is knowing that there is a future,

a life after death.

Hope is knowing that there is love,

that there is a God,

and I am loved by Him.

Whatever happens He does care.

Hope is knowing that He has plans,

even if I do not understand them.

(Cardinal Basil Hume, The Mystery of Love)

As it has become an annual Lenten practice, I offer the following passed along to me some years ago by a friend of Cardinal Basil Hume, Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments. 

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast of purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your presence, so that we can be a gift to others in carrying out Your work. Amen.

Some other voices for this holy season ...

In this Holy Lent, let us lift up our hearts and always go forward to the triumph of the reign of Christ in society.

(Blessed, soon to be Saint, Pier Giorgio Frassati, 1901-1925)

Preparation for Lent begins with desire. We exist to desire God. As Saint Augustine says, "My heart is restless until it rests in Thee." In this is the preparation for Lent; touching a desire for God that is deep down in the heart. Desire is like a flame, it starts small and it grows. Lent should fan our desire for God into a bonfire ...

(Servant of God Catherine de Heuck Doherty, 1896-1985)

No sound ought to be heard in the Church but the healing voice of Christian charity.

(Edmund Burke, 1729-1797, in Taylor Caldwell, No One Hears But Him)

Lord, Jesus, open our hearts that we may hear, so that when we open our lips, our utterances may build up your Church.

(Father Richard Veras, in Magnificat, "The Sacred Act of Listening," February 2, 2025, p. 34)

Charity is a right attitude of mind which prefers nothing to the knowledge of God.

(From the chapters On Charity by Saint Maximus the Confessor, abbot, in Office of Readings, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

I gradually gained a bit of satisfaction from being considered an extremist. Was not Jesus an extremist in love? - "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you" ... Was not Paul an extremist for the gospel of Jesus Christ? - "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus" ... Was not Thomas Jefferson and extremist? - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." So the question is not whether we will be extremist, but what kind of extremists will we be. Will we be extremists for hate, or will we be extremists for love ...

(Martin Luther King Jr., 1929-1968, Letter from Birmingham Jail)

You must be in right earnest, or you will do little or nothing for God.

(Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 1774-1821)

And parting words from a fellow American, enough to keep us busy for the days which make up a life that, as Saint Benedict says, should be a continuous Lent ...

To a great extent the world is what we make of it. We get back what we give. If we sow hate, we reap hate; if we scatter love and gentleness we harvest love and happiness. Other people are like a mirror which reflects back on us the kind of image we cast. The kind person bears with the infirmities of others, never magnifies trifles, and avoids a spirit of fault finding.

(Venerable Fulton Sheen, 1895-1979)

SAINT CHAD,

SAINT DAVID,

BLESSED CHARLES THE GOOD, COUNT OF FLANDERS,

SAINT KATHERINE DREXEL,

SAINT VIGNAL,

SAINT CASIMIR,

SAINT KIERAN, 

SAINT KYNEBURGHA,

POPE SAINT LUCIUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN JOSEPH OF THE CROSS,

SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY,

SAINT STEPHEN OF OBAZINE, CISTERCIAN ABBOT,

SAINT JOHN OF GOD,

SAINT SENAN, BISHOP,

SAINT DUTHAC,

SAINT FELIX,

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE, 

SAINT AUREA,

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

SAINT RODERICK,

SAINT THEOPHANUS,

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

SAINT MATILDA,

SAINT LOUIS DE MARILLAC,

SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARY,

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR, 

BLESSED JAN TYRANOWSKI,

SAINT JOSEPH,

SERVANT OF GOD BLANDINA SEGALE,

SAINT HERBERT,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT BENEDICT,

SAINT ENDA,

SAINT DEOGRATIUS, 

SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN, 

SAINT LEA OF ROME,

BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST VAN GALEN,

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON,

POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II,

SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLA, HERMIT,

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT VINCENT FERRER, PRIEST,

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE,

SAINT STANISLAUS, BISHOP, MARTYR,

SAINT PETER CHANEL, PRIEST, MARTYR,

SAINT LOUIS MARIE GRIGNION DE MONTFORT,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN, DOCTOR,

POPE SAINT PIUS V,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: And of my sin cleanse me.

© Gertrude Feick 2025

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Lea of Rome (4th century); Saint Deogratias (d. 457); Saint Nicholas Owen (c.1550-1606)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 43:1-12 Tardiness at the Work of God or at Table

Mass: Is 49:8-15; Resp Ps 145; Jn 5:17-30

The Lord lifts up all who are falling.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, 

PRAY FOR US.

Sing out, heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song you mountains. 

For the Lord comforts His people, and shows mercy to His afflicted.

(Is 49:13)

My first response to the word of God through the Prophet Isaiah is, "thanks be to God," for His mercy endures forever. Dear Jesus, help us to honor you with thanksgiving in word and deed, and so honor the Father who sent You (see Jn 5:23). We honor God the Father and Son through fasting, this Wednesday through the lips of "golden-mouthed" Saint John Chrysostom, a great Doctor of the Eastern Church (347-407).

Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.

Let the hands hold fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ears fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.

For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers and sisters?

(Saint John Chrysostom, from Homily 111 On the Statues)

SAINT LEA,*

SAINT JEROME,

SAINT DEOGRATIAS,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF OWEN,

PRAY FOR US.

* Saint Lea was a close friend of Saint Jerome, a great Doctor of the Western church (342-420). Saint Jerome wrote a brief description of Lea's life after she died. See Catholic News Agency, "St. Lea."

Today's photo: More from Laetare Sunday. Holy in all His works.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Ash Wednesday

The Month of February Dedicated to the Holy Family

In other years: Saint Peter's Chair

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 18:7-11 The Order of the Psalmody

Mass:  Joel 2;12-18; Resp Ps 51; 2 Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

(2 Cor 6:2)

Here we go, dear faithful readers. We pray to God: A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Help us, dear Lord, to deny ourselves of some food, drink, sleep, needless talking and idle jesting so as to look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing (see Rule of Saint Benedict, 49:7). 

As has been customary, I include a piece sent to me a few years ago by then Archbishop, now Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect for the Congregation of Divine Worship. Thank you, Cardinal Roche.

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

SAINT PETER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saint: Our Lady of Fatima; Saint Erconwald (-693); Blessed Imelda Lambertini OP (c.1321-1333)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 1:16-22 Qualities of the Abbot 

Mass: Acts 13:26-33; Resp Ps 2; Jn 14:1-6

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before Him.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY,

SAINT JOSEPH, CORNERSTONE OF FAMILIES,

PRAY FOR US.

For starters on this Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, remembering too that we are still in the Year of the Family, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has invited the faithful to unite in a Day of Fasting and Praying the Rosary. There are several prayer intentions that can be found on the USCCB website, including these two:

For our nation, for the integrity of our judicial system, and that all branches of government be dedicated to seeking the common good and protecting the dignity and rights of the human person, from conception to natural death.

For Our Blessed Mother's intercession and guidance as the Church continues to walk with mothers and families in need, and continues to promote alternatives to abortion, and create a culture of life.

Secondly, Jesus offers support and solace in His loving heart: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me (Jn 14:1). I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me (Jn 14:6), says the Lord. United in faith and prayer, with trust and hope, we follow Jesus to the Father.

The ardent need for justice, this benevolent flame within, this deep love for suffering and groaning humanity, all this is and can only be an unconscious turning toward this infinite Love and infinite Justice, toward this supreme Goodness that is God.

(E. Leseur, The Secret Diary of Elisabeth Leseur, pp. 151-152) 

OUR LADY OF FATIMA,

VENERABLE JEROME LEJEUNE,

SERVANT OF GOD ELISABETH LESEUR,

SAINT ERCONWALD,

BLESSED IMELDA LAMBERTINI,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one makes me dizzy 😎 A recent guest and faithful reader captured this "look from reclining position" on our property. It is certainly cause for rejoicing before Him. With trembling rejoice!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Ash Wednesday

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Day of Prayer and Fasting for Ukraine

In other years: Saint Chad (-672)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 25 Serious Faults

Mass:

Of my sin cleanse me.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

JESUS, GOD OF PEACE,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Welcome to Ash Wednesday

As has become customary, I include for Ash Wednesday a piece sent to me a few years ago by Archbishop Arthur Roche. Archbishop Roche was appointed Prefect of the Congregation of Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments by Pope Francis, last May 2021. Archbishop Roche served as Secretary of the Congregation since 2012. We enter, then, this season of fasting and feasting.

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.

Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.

Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.

Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.

Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger; feast on patience.

Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.

Fast from worry; feast on trust.

Fast from compliance; feast on appreciation.

Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.

Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.

Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.

Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.

Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.

Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.

Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.

Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.

Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.

Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.

Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feast,

gift us with your presence, so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work.

Amen.

United in faith and prayer on this day of prayer and fasting, we continue to pray for the people of Ukraine and Russia. Kyrie, eleison.

SAINT CHAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

© Gertrude Feick 2022