Vatican to hold Lent retreat in ‘spiritual communion’ with sick Pope Francis
Pope Francis takes part in the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat in Ariccia, Italy, in March 2016. / Credit: Vatican Media Vatican City, Mar 4, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).
The pope’s annual Lenten retreat will take place in the Vatican next week in “spiritual communion” with Pope Francis as he continues to receive treatment for respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.
The theme of the retreat, which will take place from the evening of March 9 through the morning of March 14, is “The Hope of Eternal Life,” the Vatican announced Tuesday. During the week, the papal preacher, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFM Cap, will give 10 spiritual reflections on this theme to cardinals and other employees of the Roman Curia and Vatican.
It is the sixth consecutive year that Pope Francis has not participated in a joint Lenten retreat with the cardinals of the Roman Curia.
Since 2020, the pope has opted to do the spiritual exercises in an individual capacity. All of Francis’ appointments are usually canceled during the retreat, which is held during the first full week of Lent, a 40-day penitential season.
The Vatican said cardinals, bishops, members of the Pontifical Family, priests, and laity working in the Vatican are all invited to attend the March 9–14 retreat, which will begin with vespers, or evening prayer, on Sunday, and have twice-daily meditations Monday through Thursday, concluding with a final reflection on Friday morning.
The custom of an annual papal retreat at the Vatican began during the pontificate of Pius XI. While it was first held during Advent, St. Paul VI changed the retreat’s dates to Lent in 1964.
Starting in Lent 2014, Pope Francis chose to hold the spiritual exercises at a retreat house in the town of Ariccia, about 20 miles southeast of Rome in the Alban Hills. The cardinal prefects of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia would also cancel work activities to join the pontiff for the week.
In 2020 the Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis had withdrawn from the retreat due to a lingering cold. In 2021 and 2022 the retreat for the pope and curial officials was held on an individual basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The retreat was also private in 2023 and 2024.
Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/262539/vatican-to-hold-lent-retreat-in-spiritual-communion-with-sick-pope-francis
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Online: | |
| Visits: | 1,679,828,939 |
| Stories: | 8,360,918 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
