Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Pope Francis has released his message for Lent 2024, titled "Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom". In his message, the Pope emphasizes the significance of the Israelites' journey through the desert towards freedom and relates it to the spiritual journey of Lent.

The Pope highlights the importance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent, stating, "Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we can experience the transformative power of God's grace." He emphasizes that these Lenten activities are interconnected, leading to spiritual conversion and a closer relationship with God.

As part of the Lenten season, the Diocese of Honolulu is participating in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Lenten Rice Bowl journey. Through this initiative, Catholic families learn about the challenges faced by people around the world and how their Lenten alms can make a difference. The Rice Bowl journey invites everyone to take a virtual journey to Uganda, El Salvador, and Indonesia, sharing in their stories of hope.

Additionally, the Talk Story Column will focus on ways to include the Maui wildfire victims in the Lenten journey. The Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation offers suggestions on how people can remember and support those affected by the tragedy. This initiative aims to share in the story of hope rising from the ashes.

To read the full text of Pope Francis's Message for Lent 2024, visit the Vatican's website.

This Lent, Pope Francis encourages believers to embark on a spiritual desert journey towards freedom. By engaging in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, individuals can experience a transformative encounter with God's grace. The Diocese of Honolulu, through the CRS Lenten Rice Bowl journey, invites Catholic families to learn about the challenges faced by people worldwide and make a positive impact through their Lenten alms. Similarly, the Talk Story Column focuses on supporting the Maui wildfire victims, sharing in their story of hope and resilience. This Lenten season provides an opportunity for believers to deepen their faith and contribute to making the world a better place for all.

Sources:

- Pope Francis's Message for Lent 2024

- Diocese of Honolulu's participation in the CRS Lenten Rice Bowl journey

- Talk Story Column's support for the Maui wildfire victims

For more information, please visit the respective websites mentioned.