Lenten Practices Invite the Rediscovery of Faith
Drawing inspiration from the themes expressed by Pope Benedict XVI in his Apostolic Letter, Campus Minister Linda Donovan invites the Duquesne community to walk through the door of faith and be transformed by the traditions of the Lenten Season.
With the Apostolic Letter Motu Proprio Data titled, Porto Fidei, Pope Benedict XVI called us to celebrate a Year of Faith that began in October 2012 and ends on Nov. 24, 2013. We are reminded that the “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for each one of us.
We can rediscover this faith through the practices of Lent. During this time, we are reminded by the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday to focus on our spiritual life more deeply through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These Lenten traditions give us an opportunity to deepen our experience of faith, improve our interior life as well as heighten our awareness of the needs of the less fortunate through outreach and works of charity.
We consider these practices essential to our growth in faith and holiness. Our hope being, that through these practices, we can experience a change of heart and a change of the habits that leave us spiritually unhealthy. While sometimes regarded as a predominantly Roman Catholic observance, these actions are practiced by other faith traditions as well. The practices that have been passed on from generation to generation invite us to share our common joy in community as we prepare for the Easter season. What you give up can change your life and what you give can help to empower and transform the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.
God of mystery, we journey through this Lenten season with the certain hope that you will re-create our world so that all people will live in peace and justice. Call us out of the wilderness of apathy and help us to reach out to those who do not know hope or love. Hear the longings of our hearts and the cries of those who yearn to live in peace and justice. Let Easter burst into a world waiting to be bathed in Light.
For Lenten Fasting and Abstinence information, visit the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh’s website.