LENT: SACRAMENTAL SIGN OF OUR CONVERSION

VATICAN CITY, MAR 1, 2001 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father presided over the Liturgy of the Word in the basilica of St. Sabina. At the end of his homily he blessed and distributed ashes to many of the faithful present. The Liturgy of the Eucharist was presided over by Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

In his homily, the Holy Father affirmed that Lent is "a favorable moment for welcoming the grace of God with greater openness. Precisely for this reason, it is defined as a 'sacramental sign of our conversion': an effective sign and instrument in that radical change of life that asks to be constantly renewed in believers."

John Paul II confirmed that in these weeks of Lent Christian communities must become "genuine 'schools' of prayer." He added that "another privileged objective, then, is bringing the faithful closer to the Sacrament of Reconciliation." Moreover, "the experience of God's mercy must inspire a commitment to charity" which includes "the demanding preferential option for the poor."

"In today's world there is an increased need for pacification and forgiveness. I made myself a spokesperson for this recurring desire for forgiveness and reconciliation in my Message for this Lent. The Church, whose underpinning is the word of Christ, announces forgiveness and love for one's enemies."

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