Lord, at the beginning of the week, in the season of spring and renewal, we turn to you. We give thanks for the season of Lent, a time of purification, deepening, and drawing closer to you. We give thanks for the renewal of nature, the sunshine, and the fresh air that awakens hope and confidence in us. Help us to reap the fruits of our Lenten sacrifices and enable us to let go of old bad habits so that we may begin a new life. Fill our hearts with love, joy, and patience so that we may live each day positively. We ask you to guide us this week, give us wisdom in our decisions, strength to overcome difficulties, and help us to be open to others. Grant that our faith may grow stronger, our hope may never die, and our love may help us overcome all obstacles. Bless this week and grant that, as a fruit of our faithfulness during Lent, we may grow closer to you and already experience the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Pictures from the past - early 2010s

Alexian Brothers meeting in Germany with brothers from the Philippine, German, American, and Irish regions. To Brother Dermot's right is Brother James Classon from the US, whose death anniversary was on March 1.

Lord God,

on this Second Sunday of Lent, we turn to you, seeking your guidance and grace. We remember the promises you made and the covenants you established. Strengthen our faith, that we may trust in your unwavering love, even in times of trial and temptation.

Help us to recognize the ways in which we fall short of your will. Grant us the courage to turn away from sin and embrace the path of righteousness that you have laid before us.

We pray for all those who are struggling with doubt, fear, and despair. May they find solace in your presence and be reminded of your enduring love.

Open our hearts to receive your word, that we may be transformed by its power. May we become more like your Son, Jesus Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice for us.

We ask all this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

The Legend of Saint Alexius, State and University Library, Dresden, Germany.

Gracious and merciful God,

As we enter this holy season of Lent, we pause at the threshold of these forty days with humble hearts and open hands. You call us into the wilderness, not to abandon us, but to draw us closer to You.

In this season of repentance and renewal, search our hearts and reveal what keeps us from Your love. Where we have been distracted, refocus us. Where we have been hardened, soften us. Where we have sinned, forgive us.

Give us courage to fast from what does not give life and to feast on what truly nourishes our souls. Teach us to pray more deeply, to love more generously, and to serve more faithfully.

When the journey feels long, sustain us. When we stumble, lift us up. When we are tempted, strengthen our resolve.

May this Lent be a time of transformation, a journey from ashes to hope, from brokenness to wholeness, from death to resurrection life.

Create in us clean hearts, O God, and lead us ever closer to the cross and the joy of Easter morning.

Amen.

Colored wooden statue of Saint Alexius of Edessa. Flemish school, Belgium, second half of the 16th century.

Almighty God,

we thank You for the relaxing weekend You have given us. We have been able to distance ourselves from our everyday worries and gain spiritual peace and physical strength. We thank you for the tranquility, the rejuvenation, the time spent with our loved ones, and the quiet moments in which we could grow closer to You and to each other. Help us to use the strength we gained over the weekend in our everyday lives, in service, in love, and in following Your example.

Amen.