Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lisbon (Agenzia Fides) - The Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon José da Cruz Policarpo, took Pope Benedict XVI’s Lenten Message 2007 as a guide for a series of suggestions for living this Liturgical Season in preparation for Easter .
In his own Message for the Season of Lent Cardinal urges Catholics to welcome God’s love adding that the best way to do this is to "contemplate the Crucified Christ". He proposes various actions ranging from Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to small acts of love for others. He recalls that Lent is a special time for frequent participation in the Eucharist. "The Eucharist is never repetition but rather an encounter with Love " the Patriarch recalls, In this sense he proposes themes for meditation: consider how we prepare and participate in the celebration of the Eucharist; take part in the Eucharist more frequently, every day if possible; prepare with conversion, repentance for sins and the reception of the sacrament of Reconciliation; leave after Mass aware of being sent on mission.
Lent is also a time for Charity, the Patriarch affirms. The pastoral programme of the diocese includes one major desire: "make the entire activity of the Church an expression of charity". "Lent is a special time for making this desire concrete", recognising acts against human dignity, rejecting all forms of disregard for human life and abuse, alleviating the suffering of those who are lonely and abandoned. The Cardinal appeals to Catholics to be generous in keeping with diocesan tradition in making Lenten Sacrifices to help the needy. The funds collected will go to the Inter-ecclesial Diocesan Aid Fund to meet requests for help from all over the world. This will enable "the Church in Lisbon to practice charity helping churches which are poorer in material goods”. “Our charity will enable those brothers and sisters to know they are loved by God", the Patriarch concludes (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/2/2007; righe 23, parole 322)
