“Ashes are sprinkled on our heads so that the fire of love can be kindled in our hearts.” – Pope Francis

John, today, when you go to church to receive ✝️ ashes, stop for a moment and contemplate how diverse the face of Christ present in your neighbor is. Look closely and you will be able to recognize Him in the old man walking slowly, in the young man carrying doubts and dreams, in the mother embracing her baby...

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During these 40 days, let us reflect on the fact that we are members of one human family and on our call to care for one another. In this holy season, let us not miss the opportunity to carry out acts of love, especially with our sisters and brothers who are most in need.

Lent is a favorable time to encounter God and our neighbor through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Let us ask the Lord to set our hearts on fire, to be His eyes to see with compassion, and His hands and feet to serve with love.

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Prayerfully,

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Catholic Relief Services and

the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Photos by Karen Kasmauski for CRS