Ash Wednesday And Lent

Leaders reflect on Lent

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season observed by several faiths as a time of sacrifice and reflection on Jesus Christ's suffering and crucifixion. The end of the 40-day period is Easter, observed as the day of the resurrection of Jesus.

Lafayette leaders had this to share about the season:

MIKE NEUSTROM, LAFAYETTE PARISH SHERIFF

"Lent has always been a time of reflection, sacrifice and preparation for my wife and I.

"Mardi Gras is an exciting time with parades and parties and Lent follows, which allows a time for thinking about where we are in our relationship with God. It's a time to dispense with a lot of the social gatherings and provides a more somber period for personal introspection.

"Sacrifice has been defined differently over the years, and I used to stop drinking this or eating that, but over the last few years I've tried to make other changes in my life - being more patient, helping out with church activities, or people in need or working to improve in some area of my life. While reflecting and making changes we are also preparing to celebrate the most significant feast day in the life of the church - Easter."

JAMES CRAFT, LAFAYETTE POLICE CHIEF

"It's a renewal of faith and devotion to God, and in our family, we consider it a time of reflection and sacrifice. We make sure that we attend Mass daily during Lent.

"I'm the first generation of Catholic in my family. I come from a long line of Baptists.

"It's a time to reflect on your life and what God has provided and given to you. It's a time to renew your faith in God."

JOEY DUREL, CITY-PARISH PRESIDENT

"For me, it is a time to - even though I know we should be doing it all year long - to refocus on what's important spiritually as well as the world around you.

"We try to make some sacrifices, doing without certain things.

"It's a good time to check out how disciplined you are, and it's a good opportunity to maybe do some things that are healthier for yourself.

"It's a time to reflect on what's really important and focus on the spiritual side of things."

ROBERT BENOIT, LAFAYETTE FIRE CHIEF

"I think the season is a time that we can re-establish ourselves with Jesus Christ. He died for us and he's the reason why we're allowed to live on this Earth and have our sins forgiven. It's a time to reflect on why he died and a time to reflect on his teachings.

Ash Wednesday: Pope dedicates general audience to Lent

6:1), But to recognize that today the Lord calls us to penance and spiritual renewal. This call to conversion is expressed in the two formulae used in the rite of the imposition of ashes. The first formula – "Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel" – echoes Jesus’s words at the beginning of his public ministry (cf. Mk 1:15). It reminds us that conversion is meant to be a deep and lasting abandonment of our sinful ways in order to enter into a living relationship with Christ, who alone offers true freedom, happiness and fulfilment.

The second, older formula – "Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return" – recalls the poverty and death which are the legacy of Adam’s sin, while pointing us to the resurrection, the new life and the freedom brought by Christ, the Second Adam. This Lent, through the practice of prayer and penance, and an ever more fruitful reception of the Church’s sacraments, may we make our way to Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of this special season.

I welcome all the English-speaking visitors present at today’s Audience, especially those from England, Ireland and the United States.