“’Lumen Fidei’ has a rich understanding of what it is that we pursue by pursuing the light of faith,” said Archbishop Broglio in an interview with The Michigan Catholic.
Archbishop Broglio will speak on “Transmission of the Light of Faith Fortified by our Observance of Lent” at Holy Trinity Apostolate’s 17th annual Lenten Symposium at SS. Cyril & Methodius (Slovak) Parish in Sterling Heights on March 15.
He explained that “Lumen Fidei,” as a collaboration of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, provides a good framework for living Lent well.
The archbishop said Lent rests on four “pillars,” which includes, but is not limited to, sacrifice and fasting.
“Self-denial, sacrifice and fasting is one pillar and should not be minimized,” said Archbishop Broglio, adding that Jesus himself said that some demons can only be cast out through fasting. However, Lenten commitments shouldn’t end there.
He listed the second pillar as prayer, since “Lent has been called the annual retreat of the whole Church” as Catholics try to enter more deeply into the mystery of salvation, and the third pillar as “the whole notion of charity.”
“We try to practice a renewed charity toward those most in need,” said the archbishop, “either materially in most need, or spiritually in most need. It is certainly a pillar that can’t be eliminated during the season of Lent.”
The fourth pillar, he explained, is remembering, through sacrifice and prayer, “that we’re on a pilgrimage.”
Pilgrimage is “an important concept that our modern society tends to forget about or eliminate because we live in a world where everything is here-and-now,” he said.
“For the Christian, this life is a pilgrimage, and the destination is complete union with the Lord,” said Archbishop Broglio, “and Lent is a good time to remember that we’re on a spiritual journey.”
The archbishop also recommended frequent attendance at Mass and reception of the sacraments as priorities during the 40 days, as well as simple acts such as reaching out to someone who needs a kind word or is in need of encouragement.
“We begin Lent on Ash Wednesday with the proclamation that ‘now is the acceptable time’ as we walk through these days of Lent,” said Archbishop Broglio. “We must take advantage of this time now.”
Lenten Symposium
What: Holy Trinity Apostolate’s 17th annual Lenten Symposium, “The Light of Faith, Lumen Fidei.” A youth symposium will run parallel to the main symposium.
When: Saturday, March 15. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the symposium opens with 8 a.m. Mass; symposium concludes at 4 p.m.
Where: SS. Cyril & Methodius (Slovak) Parish, 41233 Ryan Rd., Sterling Heights, 48314.
For more information: Visit www.holytrinityapostolate.com for costs, registration information and to find out more about the event.
