Lent 2023
" Brothers and sisters, let us not neglect the grace of this holy season, but fix our gaze on the cross and set out, responding generously to the powerful promptings of Lent. At the end of the journey, we will encounter with greater joy the Lord of life, we will meet him, who alone can raise us up from our ashes. - Pope Francis, Ash Wednesday, 2023, courtesy of Libreria Editrice Vaticana Find a ChurchShare LentLENTEN REFLECTIONS
Week 6 - Finding inner peace
“The hard part is that we know we are called to follow Jesus by bearing crosses for the sake of others. This suffering, this participation in God’s love, if pursued humbly and sincerely, transforms us by making us more Christ-like.”
– a faithful Catholic from the Diocese of Montreal
Week 5 - The promise of new life
“Hope in the Resurrection is the theme of the bible readings this Sunday. In the raising of Lazarus from the dead, the Gospel narrative depicting the climactic culmination of our Lord’s public ministry before his Passion and death, Jesus reveals himself to Martha as the Resurrection and the Life.”
– a faithful Catholic from the Diocese of Montreal
Week 4 - A Journey from darkness to light
“We are approaching the Fourth Sunday of Lent, traditionally known as Laetare Sunday. Unlike the Latin word “gaudete,” which refers to exuberant joy, “laetare” refers to interior joy…”
– a faithful Catholic from the Diocese of Montreal
Week 3 - Sharing the Living Water
“Jesus’s very carnal cry for water from the Cross—“I’m thirsty”—is echoed today in the lives of those hanging on the crosses of poverty and oppression. Some live in distant lands, others in our own communities.”
– a faithful Catholic from the Diocese of Montreal
Week 2 - Transfigured by Divine Love
“In responding to divine love, both Abram and Saul broke with the experiences of their past lives, thus transforming the world. We are also reminded that choosing to follow Jesus…”
– a faithful Catholic from the Diocese of Montreal
Week 1 - The beauty of Creation
“This Lent, you may wish to change the way you pray. Why not go or look outside as you reflect not only on how temptation, sin and grace have touched your life, but also on the beauty of creation?
– a faithful Catholic from the Diocese of Montreal
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
FOR LENT 2023
Lenten Penance and the Synodal Journey
“The Lenten journey of penance and the journey of the Synod alike have as their goal a transfiguration, both personal and ecclesial. A transformation that, in both cases, has its model in the Transfiguration of Jesus and is achieved by the grace of his paschal mystery. So that this transfiguration may become a reality in us this year, I would like to propose two “paths” to follow in order to ascend the mountain together with Jesus and, with him, to attain the goal.”
– Pope Francis, 25 January 2023, Libreria Editrice Vaticana
HOLY WEEK 2023
Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
Mass of Chrism
Wednesday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. – Mass of Chrism with blessing of the Holy Oils by Archbishop Christian Lépine presiding.
Good Friday
Friday, April 7 at 3:00 p.m. – Good Friday Office
Holy Thursday
Thursday, April 6 at 8:00 p.m. – Holy Thursday Office with Archbishop Christian Lépine presiding.
Way of the Cross
Friday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m. – Way of the Cross
Way of the Cross with Mgr Christian Lépine
Good Friday Concert of Sacred Music
Friday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. – Good Friday Concert of Sacred Music.
Admission: $30.00
Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 8 at 8:00 p.m. – Easter Vigil with Archbishop Christian Lépine presiding.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 9 – Easter Sunday: regularly scheduled Mass
11:00 a.m. Mass with Archbishop Christian Lépine presiding.
Videos
Walking together during the Lenten Season
The Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops invites us to watch a series of videos to assist us in better experiencing this time of transformation as we journey towards Easter.
THE THREE PILLARS OF LENT
FASTING
During this time of conversion, we are encouraged to fast. Through this action, we recognize the importance of God in our lives by experiencing hunger and thirst for his Word.
It is also a time to make sacrifices that will bring us nearer to God. The following are some ideas that may assist us in fasting more easily:
- Abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays, including Good Friday
- Abstaining from dessert
- Limiting the time spent on social media
- Refraining from criticism of others
PRAYER
Prayer strengthens our faith and our relationship with God. In prayer, we allow God into our hearts and let Him act in us.
We are encouraged to pray in the community and for the community. The following are some ideas to facilitate our prayer time and make it more enjoyable:
- Meditation or listening to the Gospel of the Day
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Listening to Catholic music
- Praying for a sick person
ALMSGIVING
Charity is seeing others through God’s eyes. It is also living in simplicity and confidence, knowing that, thanks to God, we will not lack anything.
While sharing with those around us and those who have less than we do, we sow hope in the world. The following are some ideas for sharing:
- Going on a walk with family
- Doing volunteer work once a week
- Helping a person living with reduced mobility
- Making a donation to the Share Lent Campaign