In his recent Ash Wednesday Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of both asceticism and synodality in the Easter penitential season. Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, shared the Pope’s message, which calls for a continued commitment to synodality despite difficulties. 

The Lenten message also acknowledges current global challenges, including the pandemic, wars, and natural disasters, and emphasizes the need for Lenten asceticism to overcome our own lack of faith and resistance to following Jesus on the way of the cross. Join us in reflecting on Pope Francis’ message and how we can incorporate asceticism and synodality in our Lenten journey amidst the current challenges we face.