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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: https://bibleinayearonline.com/march-oyb/?version=63&startmmdd=0101

Lent, 2026

(Isa 58:6-9) Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free, and break asunder every burden. Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house: when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thy own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall speedily arise, and thy justice shall go before thy face, and the glory of the Lord shall gather thee up. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall hear: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou wilt take away the chain out of the midst of thee, and cease to stretch out the finger, and to speak that which profiteth not.

THE HOLY SEE: MESSAGE OF POPE LEO XIV FOR LENT 2026 Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion

“Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves,” he said. “Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, among our friends, at work, on social media, in political debates, in the media and in Christian communities.” If we do so, we will let words of hatred “give way to words of hope and peace.”

CBCPNEWS: “Fasting beyond food: Inviting Christ into digital media use”

PIERBATTISTA CARD. PIZZABALLA, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: Lenten Letter to the Diocese of Jerusalem

YOUTUBE: Dr. Taylor Marshall: How to you 10X Your Catholic Lent? 5 Secrets to Increase Your Love for Christ in Lent

CAPUCHIN FRANCISCANS: Padre Pio’s Words to Prepare Us for Lent

Lent is almost here. Every year, we hear the same call: to pray more, fast, and give. But how do we truly enter these 40 days with the right mindset?

Saint Padre Pio, a Capuchin friar devoted to prayer, sacrifice, and suffering, teaches us how to embrace Lent with a heart open to repentance and renewal. His life was a witness to the power of offering suffering to Christ, and his words continue to guide us in our Lenten journey.

As we prepare for this sacred season, here are five powerful quotes from Padre Pio to help us focus on what really matters:

1. “The life of a Christian is nothing but a perpetual struggle against self; there is no flowering of the soul to the beauty of its perfection except at the price of pain.” Lent is a time to deny ourselves, not just for the sake of discipline, but to turn our hearts back to God. The struggle against sin, comfort, and self-will leads us to true spiritual growth.

2. “Love Jesus, love Him very much, but to do this, be ready to love sacrifice more.” To love Christ, we must make room for Him. That means letting go of comfort, routine, and distractions that take priority over our faith. Fasting, almsgiving, and prayer are not just actions; they are ways of loving Jesus more deeply.

3. “If you suffer with Jesus, you will reign with Jesus.” Lent is about embracing suffering, not avoiding it. Every sacrifice, act of penance, or moment of discomfort is an opportunity to walk with Christ. Padre Pio reminds us that suffering has meaning when it is united to Jesus’ passion.

4. “The cross will not crush you; if its weight makes you stagger, its power will also sustain you.” Following Jesus is not going to be easy. We might struggle with fasting, fail in our resolutions, or wrestle with temptation. But God’s grace strengthens us.

5. “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” At its heart, Lent is about returning to God’s mercy. No matter how many times we fall, He is always waiting for us with forgiveness and love. Prayer and trust are the foundation of our Lenten journey.

Padre Pio, Capuchin and saint, pray for us as we enter these 40 days.

EASTER 2026 DATES

February 18 - Ash Wednesday
March 29 - Palm Sunday
April 2 - Maundy (Holy) Thursday
April 3 - Good Friday
April 5- Easter Sunday (Western Christianity - Roman Catholic, Anglican Communion, Protestant Churches, also Orthodox Christianity - Eastern Orthodox Churches)
April 12- Divine Mercy Sunday

(Ecc 3:1-7) All things have their season, and in their times all things pass under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to destroy, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to get, and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.

UPDATES: Non-subscribers can access items emailed during Lent at Tribulaton Times - Google Groups.

LENTEN SABBATICAL

The TRIB TIMES will not be updated again this year during the Lenten season, extending to the first week after Easter. My computer time will be limited to 30 minutes each morning and evening during Lent. I will read all emails I receive, and will answer all that I can, time permitting. I may also occasionally email non-reformatted news articles to Trib Times subscribers that I find to be of particular interest. But barring a major event (admittedly not unlikely these days), the Trib Times web page itself will not be updated.

I apologize to all who have recently subscribed but will keep your email information for use after my return. God willing, the next issue of the Trib Times should be shortly after Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12, 2026. Please keep me in your prayers, and be assured that I will do the same.

I recommend the following links to keep up with unfolding events:

Catholic News
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/
https://www.ewtnnews.com/
https://www.ncregister.com/
Signs of the Times
http://www.spiritdaily.com/
https://www.lifesitenews.com/
http://www.lifenews.com/

Readings & Meditations for Lent & Holy Week
https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/prayer-spirituality-resources/praying-lent
https://mycatholic.life/lent-prayers-reflections/
http://dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever/

Catholic Commentary
The Catholic Thing
Crisis Magazine
Aleteia

Newer subscribers may also be interested in a meditation that first appeared in the Trib Times in 2004, The Pain of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

LINK TO DONATE TO AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED: https://aidtochurch.org/ways-to-give/make-a-donation

Ladder of Divine Ascent excerpt: Step 6- "On remembrance of death"

11. Anyone who wishes to retain within him continually the remembrance of death and God's judgment, and at the same time yields to material cares and distractions, is like a man who is swimming and wants to clap his hands.

Prayer request? Send an email to: [email protected]

"Have ANY Catholic Question? Just ask Ron Smith at: [email protected]

This month's archive can be found at: http://www.catholicprophecy.info/news2.html.