The Seven Holy Founders, Lent, and Living for Others
The Spirit comes to the aid of our weaknesses; For we do not know how to pray as we ought, But the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressive groanings. —Romans 8:26 After the excitement of Valentine’s Day and celebrations of Carnival , the sobriety of Ash Wednesday can be quite a jolting beginning to our Lenten prayer and good works. Unfortunately, many of us miss out on irreplaceable opportunities for growth and enrichment because we focus too much of our attention on the “thou shalt nots” of Lent and overlook the fact that Lent is really intended to be a spiritual springtime. By thinking only of Lenten penances, we fail to see how our self-denial should be balanced with good works of prayer and charity. As we make our final preparations for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent, the Seven Founders of the Servite Order (who are honored with a common commemoration on February 17) offer a fitting example of what our prayer, charity, and conversion might be as we celebr...