Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of our Good Lord!

“Repent and Believe!” That word, “repent,” could cause someone to experience a fear going down the spine. We hear the call of the Lord to “repent and believe” during the Season of Lent. It is not a time for fear but a time to return to the Lord, to who we are in the eyes of God. Friars: Ian, Wayne, and Mario share their reflections about the spiritual rejuvenation during our Lent that opens the way to Easter Joy.

St. Francis of Assisi spent Lent on the island of Trasimeno in the Lake of Perugia, Italy, in preparation for the Feast of Easter. He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights without eating any food. He brought with him two loaves of bread to tempt himself; and ate half a loaf to “cast forth from himself the poison of vainglory” (The Little Flowers of St. Francis, 40). How shall you and I live Lent in preparation for Easter Joy?

St. Francis and St. Anthony exemplify for us that our fraternity of brothers accepts the challenge of proclaiming the greatness of the Lord in mission and ministry. We invite you to join us in doing the same.

May the Lord bless you and keep you; May He show His face to you and be merciful to you. May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace. May the Lord bless you. (Blessing of St. Francis)

Fr. John Elmer OFM Conv.
Spiritual Director