February 17 is Ash Wednesday,
and the beginning of the Lenten season,
a time for deeper prayer,
conversion, and transforming action.
In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with “speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn” (Fratelli Tutti, 223). In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind, to be “willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference” (ibid., 224).
From Pope Francis’s message for Lent 2021
Here are some resources for prayer, reflection, and action:
From Pope Francis:
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18)
The Pope’s message for Lent 2021.
Homily: Ash Wednesday
We are now embarking on our Lenten journey, which opens with the words of the prophet Joel. They point out the path we are to follow. We hear an invitation that arises from the heart of God, who with open arms and longing eyes pleads with us: “Return to me with all your heart” (Joel 2:12). Return to me. Lent is a journey of return to God.
Other resources:
AT THE CORE: Animating the Mission of Sacred Heart Education (February 2021)
Some of the highlights in our February issue include: What is Lent? Why is Lent essential? The Invitation to be united in Prayer…7 Principles of Catholic Social Teaching – Videos and Reflection Resources for Lent
CAFOD Lent resources for young people
Video, poster, assembly ideas, calendar, liturgy, stations of the Cross, reconciliation service, etc.
CAFOD’s online Lent calendar 2021
A 2021 online calendar to reflect, pray and take global justice actions throughout the season of Lent.
Creighton University: Praying Lent
“In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we’ve done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need.”
Knowing Jesus: Lent Retreat 2021
A retreat based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola.
Lent: Resources for your Lenten journey
Loyola Press offers resources for liturgy, prayers and retreat, Lenten activities, arts and faith, and perspectives on Lent.
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Lenten Reflection Guide 2021
Through the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (known as “action” in the guide), as well as through reflection on the experiences of Maryknoll missioners, we invite you to enter into the journey of Lent and dive deeper into the reflections of Pope Francis during this challenging time – or turning point – in history.
Into the Desert (Lent app)
The Anglican Board of Mission invites you to journey into the Australian desert during Lent with 40 days of bible readings, reflections, sayings and prayer suggestions. These Lent resources have a particular focus on Australian landscape, history and writing, Aboriginal reconciliation and the long Christian tradition of desert-shaped theology.
Lenten Resources 2021
The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) offers this collection of Lenten resources.
Praying with you during this Lenten season
The National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) is pleased to offer resources that enable Catholic educators to guide their students during this season of Lent.
Trocaire Lent Resources
“Lent invites us to spiritual renewal in support of our vulnerable sisters and brothers around the world.”
Busted Halo’s Lent in 3 Minutes
A short animated film explaining the significance of this season of prayer, fasting, and giving, and how you can make the most of this time of repentance and renewal.
JPIC reflection guide for Ash Wednesday
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for Ash Wednesday.
JPIC reflection guide for the 1st Sunday of Lent
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for the 1st Sunday of Lent.
JPIC reflection guide for the 2nd Sunday of Lent
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for the 2nd Sunday of Lent.
JPIC reflection guide for the 3rd Sunday of Lent
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for the 3rd Sunday of Lent.
JPIC reflection guide for the 4th Sunday of Lent
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for the 4th Sunday of Lent.
JPIC reflection guide for the 5th Sunday of Lent
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for the 5th Sunday of Lent.
JPIC reflection guide for Palm Sunday
The JPIC International Team has provided this prayer/reflection guide for Palm Sunday.
Self-Compassion: The Key to Forgiveness
Dr (Sr) Mudita Menona Sodder RSCJ has prepared this reflection on the challenges of the modern world, and the need for kindness, empathy and compassion.
Please send suggested Lenten resources to comms@rscjroma.org
self-compassion-the_key_to_forgiveness_-_mudita_sodder_rscj
Our Spirituality |Celebrating the Seasons
JPIC |JPIC Resources and Links
