Dear Friends of the Monastery,
As we enter the holy season of Lent, we are invited into a sacred time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a season that calls us to quiet our hearts, listen deeply for God’s voice, embrace simplicity, and walk more intentionally in the footsteps of Christ.
Lent in 2025 carries even deeper significance, as it coincides with the Jubilee Year that began on Christmas Eve 2024. This Jubilee is a time of heightened spiritual reflection, pilgrimage, and a renewed focus on God’s mercy. During this sacred period, Catholics can receive a plenary indulgence — full forgiveness of sins. The theme for this year’s Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope,” invites us to journey together in faith and trust, allowing God’s light to guide us through life’s challenges.
In announcing the Jubilee, Pope Francis wrote: “The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire; that is why I have chosen as the motto of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope.”
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Lent offers us the gift of slowing down. In a world filled with noise and distractions, it is a time to rediscover the quiet strength of prayer, the beauty of silence, and the transformative power of humility. Whether through fasting, acts of charity, or deeper contemplation, each Lenten practice draws us closer to the heart of Christ and God’s boundless love for us.
Our world is in great need of healing, unity, and compassion. As the Apostle Paul encourages: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). During this Lenten journey, let us recommit ourselves to being instruments of peace, reaching out to those in need, and fostering a spirit of togetherness in our families, communities, and beyond.
May this season of reflection and renewal prepare us to celebrate the joy of Easter with hearts transformed by God’s love. I pray that you find strength and hope along the way, and I encourage you to seek opportunities to bring light to a world longing for unity and peace.
Wishing you a blessed and transformative Lenten journey.
With Lenten blessings,
Sister Beverly Raway, Prioress