"Brothers and sisters: today, Ash Wednesday, begins the Lenten itinerary that leads us to the celebration of the Easter Triduum, a memorial of our salvation," the Pope said in March 5.
"Lent," he affirmed during his weekly address, "is a 'strong' time of conversion," and a time "to live our baptism with greater profundity."
Speaking to the thousands of pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pontiff noted that the 40 days leading up to Easter is a "journey of penance, prayer and conversion" which prepares us "for the Church's annual celebration of the saving mysteries of Christ's passion, death and resurrection."
"In this time we are invited to be more aware of the wonders that the Lord does for our salvation," the Pope reflected, highlighting how the Church asks us "to ponder with joy and gratitude God's immense love" which is "revealed in the paschal mystery."
Concluding his reflections, Pope Francis prayed that this Lent would "be a time when, as individuals and communities, we heed the words of the Gospel, reflect on the mysteries of our faith, practice acts of penance and charity, and open our hearts ever more fully to God's grace and to the needs of our brothers and sisters."
Extending his greetings to groups present from various countries around the world, the Pope offered a special welcome to pilgrims who represent Malta, Denmark, Sweden, Indonesia, Canada, the United States, Spain, Mexico, and Argentina.
"May the Lenten journey we begin today bring us to Easter with hearts purified and renewed by the grace of the Holy Spirit," he said, inviting all to "invoke with confidence the help of the Virgin Mary."
The Pope asked that she "accompany us in these days of intense prayer and penance, to arrive to celebrate.
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