Pope Francis arrives in procession to celebrate Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome March 6, 2019.

Lent begins with reminder of all that fades away, Pope Francis says

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ROME – Marked with ashes, Christians set off on a Lenten journey where they strive to leave behind everything that will turn to dust and instead focus on drawing closer to God and God's promise of eternal life, Pope Francis said.
The “grace of tears” has been cherished throughout the Christian tradition. Jesus Himself was not immune to tears, as seen in James Tissot’s Jesus Wept.

Mary Marrocco: The gift of tears unlocks healing spirit

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Her body is thin and tense. It carries the anguish, the hurts and false steps, of years. Her face does not as yet reveal the pain she’s known in her young life. She doesn’t cry. Alone, sometimes, she has bursts of uncontrollable stormy tears. Never the gentle kind and never for long. 

The popular discipline of Lent — giving up something for the sake of others — is deeply rooted in stewardship if we do it with 'a renewed spirit and a contrite heart', Fr. Yaw writes.

Fr. Yaw Acheampong: Lent is an invitation to a fruitful stewardship

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The start of every new season is exciting and full of possibilities. Think of how happy people are when they see the first signs of spring, or, when the first day of school arrives, or, for baseball fans, the excitement they feel on the day of the season opener.

Pope Francis greets guests during an audience at the Vatican Feb. 28, 2019. The audience was with participants marking the 50th anniversary of the death of German Cardinal Agostino Bea, whom the pope called "a model and source of inspiration for ecumenical and intereligous dialogue."

Pope Francis encourages joint community service by rabbis, parish priests

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VATICAN – The fruitful friendship and dialogue between Jews and Christians must go beyond the world of experts and academia, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis greets a baby as he arrives for his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Feb. 27, 2019.

God's holiness is a force; 'evil's days are numbered,' Pope says

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VATICAN – The holiness of God is a power that is constantly expanding and will defeat all evil once and for all, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis greets a bishop during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 20, 2019.

Making corrections without love is the devil's work, Pope tells pilgrims

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VATICAN – Catholics should speak up when things go wrong in the church, but theirs must be constructive criticism delivered with love, Pope Francis said, otherwise the devil is at work.
Pope Francis greets a boy as he meets the sick and disabled during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 20, 2019.

God loves us like no one else on this Earth, Pope Francis says

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VATICAN – When speaking to God as a father, Christians experience a love that goes beyond human love and affection, which can be unpredictable and mired by selfishness, Pope Francis said.
Cheering, singing and praying, students celebrate Father Michael “Catfish” Mireau Youth Faith Day in Edmonton.

Father Catfish’s legacy as strong as ever

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EDMONTON – In life, Fr. Michael Mireau cast a long shadow.

Temptation of Christ in the Wilderness, c. 1500 Juan De Flandes (c. 1460-1519) Oil on wood panel

God's Word on Sunday: God builds the roots of our inner strength

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Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 17 (Year C) Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20; Luke 6:17, 20-26

Pope Francis kisses the foot of a refugee during Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Center for Asylum Seekers in Castelnuovo di Porto, about 15 miles north of Rome March 24, 2016.

Christians must recognize Jesus in refugees, migrants, Pope says

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VATICAN – Even if Christians struggle to recognize him with his "torn clothes (and) dirty feet," Jesus is present in the migrants and refugees who seek safety and a dignified life in a new land, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis speaks to members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments during their plenary meeting at the Vatican Feb. 14, 2019. The pope urged the congregation to promote a love of and appreciation for the liturgy, avoiding "sterile ideological polarizations" and attitudes that would view the Mass as a place for "do-it-yourself" adaptations.

Hearts, not just books, need to change to improve liturgy, Pope says

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VATICAN – The sacred liturgy is meant to help the people of God conform their heart, mind and actions more closely to Christ, Pope Francis said.
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