As we enter this holy season of Lent, we are marked with ashes as a sign that, as Catholics, we begin a journey that will lead us to Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

May this Lent be a time to quiet our minds and open our hearts to God’s holy word.  Let us embrace silence and encounter Christ in prayer, fasting and works of mercy.

Throughout these 40 days, we reflect on Christ’s experience in the desert and the temptations he faced. With Jesus, we enter the desert of Lent, guided by the Holy Spirit, to confront our own temptations. We are never alone — our Lord Jesus Christ is with us, offering  comfort and strength to triumph over our temptations.

I encourage all of us to seek the sacraments of penance and the holy Eucharist, for it is through these sacraments that we receive the grace from Christ to know, love and serve him.

Dear friends, after this season of conversion, may you experience the joy of the Risen Christ who lives and reigns forever and ever!

And may almighty God bless you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.