Ash Wednesday

"Even the darkest moments of the liturgy are filled with joy, and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten fast, is a day of happiness, a Christian feast. It cannot be otherwise, as it forms part of the great Easter cycle ... 
 

We must remember the original meaning of Lent, as the ver sacrum, the Church's "holy spring" in which the catechumens were prepared for their baptism, and public penitents were made ready by penance for their restoration to the sacramental life in a communion with the rest of the Church. 

Lent is then not a season of punishment so much as one of healing." ~ Thomas Merton

Happy Feast Day, St. John of the Cross

"What more do you want, o soul! And what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess your riches, delights, satisfaction and kingdom -- your beloved whom you desire and seek? Desire him there, adore him there. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself. You will only become distracted and you won't find him, or enjoy him more than by seeking him within you." – Saint John of the Cross

Learn more about him here.

Happy Feast Day, St. Pio

“Pray, hope, and don’t worry! Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer. Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips but with your heart. In fact, on certain occasions, you should speak to Him only with your heart.”--St. Pio

Read all about him here.

Quote

I came across a beautiful quote on another blog I happened upon the other day, and I want to share it with you...

"Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel.

Go and find Him when your strength and patience

are giving out, when you feel lonely and helpless.

Say to Him, 'You know well what is happening,

my dear Jesus. I have only you. Come to my aid ...'

And then go your way.

And don't worry about knowing how you are going to manage.

It is enough to have told our good Lord.

He has an excellent memory."

—St. Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor