February 23, 2011. The Pope has asked that during the next Lent, Catholics rediscover the meaning of baptism to “liberate the hearts of all selfishness, which impoverishes and prevents us from being available to God and our neighbors.” He said this in his message for Lent, which encourages support for fasting, prayer and charity during the forty day period. It was introduced by Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Vatican department responsible for charities.
Card. Sarah Robert
President, Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”“Each Episcopal Conference should organize campaigns to help people in solidarity. From Rome we can help give them ideas, but it's really the duty of bishops and pastors.”
The cardinal stressed that the solidarity and conversion proposed by Benedict XVI will benefit the whole society by making it more just.
Card. Sarah Robert
President, Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”
“What is happening in North Africa reflects the lack of conversion, the willingness to change and see how we can help each other. Because of this, the Holy Father proposed to return to the Word of God, which can revive and sustain. This Word of God invites one to conversion, a change that contributes to the coexistence and social standards.”
Along with this message, the Vatican presented the activity of the Catholic NGO Manos Unidas, which since 1960 has been fighting poverty, hunger, lack of education and underdevelopment.
Lent is the 40 days before Easter, during which Christians prepare to commemorate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. It begins this year on March 9 with Ash Wednesday.
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