Message of Pope Francis for Lent

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, is on February 14.  The Holy Father's Lenten message is available here.  Its theme is: "Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold" (Mt 24:12).  In his message, Pope Francis urges the members of the Church to "take up the Lenten journey with enthusiasm, sustained by almsgiving, fasting and prayer.  If, at times, the flame of charity seems to die in our own hearts, know that this is never the case in the heart of God!  He constantly gives us the chance to begin loving anew. . . . By listening to God's word and drawing nourishment from the table of the Eucharist, may our hearts be ever more ardent in faith, hope and love."