When you pray, fast, and give alms

ROME Ash Wednesday

Rend your hearts,
not your garments,
and return to the Lord, your God.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 The forty days of Lent is the annual retreat of the people of God in imitation of Jesus' forty days in the wilderness . As we begin this holy season of testing and preparation, let's ask the Lord for a fresh outpouring of his Holy Spirit that we may grow in faith, hope, and love and embrace his will more fully in our lives. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.