Lent

It is ironic that the pandemic has come upon us during Lent: the time for examination of self, giving to others and prayer.

On Holy Saturday, April 11, as Christians contemplate Jesus lying in the tomb, Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia will lead a liturgy of prayer and contemplation before the Shroud of Turin at 5 p.m. local time (10 a.m. CDT).

“The people of God are called over and over to listen, listen, listen. The greatest commandment doesn’t start with love, but with listening: ‘Shema Yisrael’ — Hear, O Israel! St. Benedict’s Rule, for those called into community, starts with the word ‘Listen.'”

“If we continue to support one another through prayer, if we are kind and generous in our interactions with each other, if we continue to be the face of Christ to one another, we’ll get through this OK.”

Pope Francis offered his meditation on the meaning of the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for humanity March 27 before raising a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament and giving an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

We are called to sacrifice and practice our Lenten disciplines in ways that we couldn’t imagine just a few months ago.

Catholic leaders say Lent during a pandemic can offer the faithful extra time to pray and reflect during the season leading to Easter.

My staff and I are monitoring daily the recommendations offered by the Minnesota Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and I have appointed an ad hoc committee to meet weekly to stay abreast of developments. The physical and spiritual well-being of the people of the diocese is our primary concern.