VATICAN - The Pope in the Angelus: “The message that the Virgin continues to spread in Lourdes reminds us of Jesus’ words at the start of His public ministry, words that we frequently hear in these days of Lent: ‘Convert and believe in the Gospel.’”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “ ‘Entering into Lent’ means beginning a time of particular commitment to the spiritual fight against the evil present in the world, in each one of us, and in our surroundings. It means looking at evil in the face and being willing to fight against its consequences, above all against its causes, the root cause being Satan. It means not placing the blame for the problem of evil on others, on society, or on God. Rather, it consists in recognising one’s own responsibilities and conscientiously assuming them.” On Sunday, February 10, the First Sunday of Lent, the Holy Father Benedict XVI dedicated his address, made prior the recitation of the Angelus, to the meaning of Lent and to the 150th anniversary of the apparitions at Lourdes. Jesus’ invitation to take up one’s own “cross” and follow Him with humility and trust is an opportunity “to follow Jesus so as to find the strength to fight against sin and evil.” The Pope continued, “Entering into Lent, therefore, means renewing the personal and communal decision to fight evil, together with Christ. The Cross is the only way that leads to the victory of love over hate, of generosity over selfishness, of peace over violence.”
Benedict XVI later reminded the faithful that the beginning of Lent coincides this year with the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in Lourdes, as Mary first appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in the grotto at Massabielle on February 11, 1858. “The message that the Virgin continues to spread in Lourdes,” the Pope said, “reminds us of Jesus’ words at the start of His public ministry, words that we frequently hear in these days of Lent: ‘Convert and believe in the Gospel;’ pray and do penance. May we accept Mary’s invitation, which resonates with Christ’s, asking that they permit us to ‘enter’ with faith into Lent, so we can live this time of grace with interior joy and generous commitment.”
Before the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father entrusted all the sick and those who care for them, especially those who February 11 would be in St. Peter’s Basilica on the occasion of World Day of the Sick, to the Blessed Virgin Mary. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to accompany you because I will begin spiritual exercises that afternoon, Benedict XVI said, “but in the silence and recollection I will be praying for you and for all the needs of the Church and the world. To all those who will be praying for me to the Lord, I thank you now.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2008; righe 31, parole 427)