by Father Kevin Cullen, S.J.
These full days have us looking at our world in a new light. This week we begin our Lenten Journey. This season seems to sneak up on me every year. I am still enjoying Valentine candies. And are we finished with the Winter cold and snow? I know I saw my shadow, even if the groundhog did not. During this month of March, as we move into our Lenten Journey, new light brightens our world.
This Season invites us to grow in our faith. At Marillac Retreat & Spirituality Center, we begin this month by gathering with regional members of our Vincentian family, as well as the SCLs and SCLAs, to reflect upon our shared charism. And, as is our usual practice, we will Linger over Coffee with others who desire to deepen their faith on their Lenten journey. This year, we will spend time with virtues and graces lived through holy women and men who have shared this journey before us.
We start this Wednesday … Ash Wednesday, marked as sinners who are loved by God. The invitation to pray, fast, and give alms directs our practices each day. Our prayer may include lingering over God’s Word as embodied by faith-filled women and men. Devotional practices like The Stations of the Cross or Taize Prayer help us slowly and intentionally walk with Jesus. Our fasting may include balancing “giving up” and “giving in.” We limit sweets, alcohol, or gossiping, and choose kind words, less internet use, or attending a parish fish fry. Our almsgiving may recognize the disparity between those who “have” and those who “have not.” We may want to share our pocket change with Operation Rice Bowl or serve and eat a meal with folks at the local Community Meal.
In her language, Missionary of Charity, St. Teresa of Kolkata, suggests, “As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst … ‘Repent and believe’. 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.”
Consider joining us at Marilac Center for one of the following events:
Lenten Linger over Coffee
Five Tuesdays during Lent
9 – 11 a.m.
Join us as we continue our intriguing comparisons between the Church’s canonized Saints and the saints among us today.
Good Conversation: God Loves Us
April 10
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fr. Kevin Cullen, SJ, will delve more deeply into the work of the Synod on Synodality through the graces found in Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Dilexit Nos. Register by April 1.
Finding Beauty in the Margins
Tuesday, May 27, 4 p.m.– Saturday, June 1, noon
Awaken the creative beauty within and around you! Storyteller and artist Brother Mickey McGrath, OFPS, will offer a 5-day preached retreat which will include time for artistic expression, sharing, quiet prayer/meditation, and reflection. Register by May 17.
Directed Retreat, 3-nights
June 12-15, * paid event
Registration available at the button; contact srobb@scls.org for payment information.
Directed Retreat, 7-nights
June 12-19, * paid event
Registration available at the button; contact srobb@scls.org for payment information.
