Our Lenten Pilgrimage...
Once again we find ourselves in the Holy Season of Lent, journeying 40 days "in the desert", as it were, towards the joyous celebration of the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
In Rome, the Lenten journey takes a distinct and unique shape through the Station Church Pilgrimage (A history may be found here: http://www.pnac.org/station-churches/the-roman-station-liturgy/#History). The Station Church Liturgies provide English speaking Catholics the opportunity to enter into this Lenten journey in a very spiritually enriching way. Last year, I was just "getting into the grove" of being in Rome, so I did not fully embrace or enter into this opportunity...The thought of a 6:40 am Mass "in-house" appealed more to me than having to be up and ready to leave the College between 5:45-6:40 (depending on the distance of the Station Church) to walk the dark, cold, (sometimes) rainy streets of Rome...
This year however, Thanks be to God, I am in a much happier and confident place with being in Rome, and I have decided to undertake this pilgrimage this year for some special intentions, but no worries...I've kept you all back home in my prayers during the morning walk as well!
Lastly, I want to share what in my opinion is the most beautiful of the Lenten Prefaces we have for the Liturgy. It sums up what this Season is about and sets our eyes, minds and hearts on the Heavenly goal.
In Rome, the Lenten journey takes a distinct and unique shape through the Station Church Pilgrimage (A history may be found here: http://www.pnac.org/station-churches/the-roman-station-liturgy/#History). The Station Church Liturgies provide English speaking Catholics the opportunity to enter into this Lenten journey in a very spiritually enriching way. Last year, I was just "getting into the grove" of being in Rome, so I did not fully embrace or enter into this opportunity...The thought of a 6:40 am Mass "in-house" appealed more to me than having to be up and ready to leave the College between 5:45-6:40 (depending on the distance of the Station Church) to walk the dark, cold, (sometimes) rainy streets of Rome...
This year however, Thanks be to God, I am in a much happier and confident place with being in Rome, and I have decided to undertake this pilgrimage this year for some special intentions, but no worries...I've kept you all back home in my prayers during the morning walk as well!
Lastly, I want to share what in my opinion is the most beautiful of the Lenten Prefaces we have for the Liturgy. It sums up what this Season is about and sets our eyes, minds and hearts on the Heavenly goal.
For you have given your children a sacred time
for the renewing and purifying of their hearts,
that, freed from disordered affections,
they may so deal with the things of this passing world
as to hold rather to the things that eternally endure.
Blessed journeying!
Praised be Jesus Christ...
--kpl
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