This Lent is becoming an especially challenging one for many of our brothers and sisters around the globe, as the world confronts the reality of the coronavirus pandemic.
From the Holy Land to Italy to Lebanon, the virus is having a profound impact — forcing the closure of holy sites and the cancellation of public liturgies. More people are having to spend time in some sort of containment or quarantine, whether working from home or undergoing medical treatment. “Social distancing” is becoming the norm.
As a result, a lot of us may feel disconnected and alone — but now, especially, is a time for us to be united in prayer.
At this moment, we join others around the world who are praying for the sick, the fearful, the anxious, the lonely. And during this time, we at CNEWA want to offer a way to share a sense of communion and community.
Below is a video we have produced of The Way of the Cross with Pope Francis, adapted from the devotion the Holy Father led last year on Good Friday at the Colosseum in Rome. Illustrated with images from around CNEWA’s world, this extraordinary interpretation of Christ’s walk to Calvary can be prayed almost anywhere — and, we hope, offer a spirit of fraternity and consolation to a troubled world.
Praying this devotion, we walk together with those who are making their own journeys to their own Calvary — helping them to carry their crosses and offering our own prayers of faith, hope and love. As we pray at the 13th Station: “We entrust all these lives to the mercy of God our Father and the Father of all.”
You can order a free booklet containing the devotion at this link.
Meantime, to support CNEWA’s work around the world this Lent, please click the button below.