Lent 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters: 

At the General Chapter of the Redemptorists last fall, the delegates decided that our theme for our Congregation during the next six years would be: “Missionaries of Hope in the Footsteps of the Redeemer.” This theme is not only something the Redemptorists should follow, but it also serves as a good reminder on what all of us should be involved with during the Season of Lent.

We are all called to be people who bring hope to the world. We are part of a wounded world, but we are also aware of the many signs of hope emerging in the world. We understand that hope is courage, bold but humble: the courage to carry the burden of our reality; the courage to believe that we are accompanied by God through the Holy Spirit during the Season of Lent; and the courage to serve others with compassion and love. We recognize that Jesus walks with us, as individuals, as communities, and as pilgrims during the Season of Lent.

Lent once again will challenge us to follow in the footsteps of the Redeemer. We will follow Him through times of deeper prayer, times of denying ourselves, and times of sharing ourselves with those in need. All of this is to mold each of us into the image of the Redeemer who came to give His life in service to all people. We follow Him not just to admire Him but truly to be disciples and missionaries of His love.

May we take up our crosses this Lent to follow in the footsteps of the Redeemer so that we can rise with Him on Easter Sunday and in the life to come!

With an assurance of my prayers through this Lent and my blessing,

Very Rev. Paul Borowski, C.Ss.R.
Provincial Superior Redemptorists of Baltimore