Message of His Holiness Pope Francis for Lent 2021

“Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will.

He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world.

In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil2:8).

During this season of conversion, let us renew ourfaith, draw from the “living water” ofhope,and receive with open hearts theloveof God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.

At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit.

This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.

Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf.Mt6:1-18), enable and express our conversion.

The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.”

He continues by elaborating these points:

1.Faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and all our brothers and sisters.

2.Hope as “living water” enabling us to continue our journey.

3.Love, following in the footsteps of Christ, in concern and compassion for all, is the highest expression of our faith and hope.

“Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving.

The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us –as communities and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.

May Mary, Mother of the Saviour, ever faithful at the foot of the cross and in the heart of the Church, sustain us with her loving presence.

May the blessing of the risen Lord accompany all of us on our journey towards the light of Easter.”