This year, 2025, Lent begins on March 5th, Ash Wednesday, and runs for 40 days through Palm Sunday, April 13th. Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Week when we have the Triduum — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Easter Sunday is April 20th. Have a blessed and prayerful Lenten season.
Lenten Reflections One of the participants at our Ignatian Prayer and Spirituality Series, Francis Mangeni, has written some Reflections for Lent. Francis, who joins us from the Archdiocese of Lusaka in Zambia, is currently a student in the Master of Divinity Course at the Jesuit School of Theology.
Francis invites us to pray these reflections:
“Lent is the time Mother Church sets aside every year for us to con-front ourselves with courage, and to achieve all the change we yearn for in the depths of our hearts—that we may have life to the full. After Lent, we are to have become a totally new person, in love anew with God and with His creation. We rejoice with our Lord Jesus Christ who is truly risen, having overcome death and sin. We live in full freedom and joy, knowing the meaning of life, that we each are God’s own. Life is a celebration, a never-ceasing party; after we have totally repented.
These reflections are meant to encourage you as you cooperate with God on your faith journey, a journey of concrete lifestyles and plans that transform you, ever becoming Christ-like, by His grace.” You’ll find the reflection booklet here.
Websites, Free Apps, & Podcasts
to Help you connect with God this Lent
Sacred Space is a daily prayer website and app. It’s free! and they also offer a Lenten Retreat.
During Lent, how about praying the Daily Examen? The examen is an ancient prayer practice that allows you to find God in your daily life. This podcast is based on a technique that St. Ignatius Loyola outlined in “The Spiritual Exercises” his classic manual for prayer. Each week Fr. Martin will provide you with a new Refection.
Here’s a podcast guided version led by Jesuit priest, James Martin, SJ. The Examen.
If you can only spare 3 minutes, check out this 3-Minute Daily Prayer from Loyola Press.
Also at the Loyola Press website is a list (and dedicated web pages) to a variety of types of prayer, among them the Rosary, Lectio Divina, the Examen, ways to pray with the saints
The Benedictine’s offer a fairly detailed explanation of the parts of Lectio Divina here
Visit this website to sign up for Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister’s weekly or monthly reflections. Read the April Newsletter
Another set of Jesuit prayers for Lent you can find here.
The Dominicans have a special focus on the Rosary and offer instruction and insights here.
Rosary Novena and Reflection: The March Rosary Novena reflection, led by Fr. Vincent Bernard, O.P., invites us to embrace the peace and stability found in the Rosary.
One of the most downloaded Catholic Apps is Laudate. Apple App and Google Play
Not a free app (after a trial period you’ll need to purchase a subscription) but one that many people like for prayer is Hallow.
Retreat Centers
Retreats can be an important part of our spiritual path. In providing quiet time away from the normal rhythms of life, retreats give us an opportunity to listen for God's voice and reflect on the ways that God is present in our lives. We are fortunate in the Bay Area to have a number of retreat centers within a few hours' drive. Many offer short day-long programs as well as weekend and longer retreats. Check out some of the offerings and see if one or another appeals to you.
Reasons you may want to consider attending a retreat:
Deepen your faith: Engage in prayer, reflection, and spiritual teachings to strengthen your connection with God and deepen your understanding of Catholic teachings.
Retreat from the hustle and bustle: Take a break from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a tranquil environment conducive to spiritual growth and renewal.
Foster community: Connect with fellow Catholics in a supportive and nurturing community atmosphere, fostering friendships and shared spiritual experiences.
Receive guidance: Benefit from the wisdom and guidance of experienced retreat leaders who can offer insights into Catholic spirituality and help you on your spiritual journey.
Renew your commitment: Use the retreat as an opportunity to recommit yourself to living out your Catholic values and principles in your daily life.
Experience sacraments: Participate in Mass, confession, and other sacramental rituals that can deepen your spiritual experience and provide opportunities for grace and healing.
Gain perspective: Step back from the distractions of the world to gain a clearer perspective on your life, priorities, and relationship with God.
Encounter God's presence: Open yourself to encountering the presence of God in a profound and transformative way, allowing His love and grace to work in your life.
A selection of nearby Retreat Centers
San Damiano Retreat Center. 710 Highland Drive, Danville, CA 94526
(925) 837-9141
Santa Sabina Center. 25 Magnolia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-7727
El Retiro San Iñigo Jesuit Retreat House, 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 917-4000
New Camoldi Retreat House Hermitage, 62475 Coast Highway 1 at Lucia, Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2456
Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 325-5614
Saint Columba’s Retreat House, 12835 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness, CA 94937
(415) 669-1039