Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic Church, a time for spiritual preparation for Easter as emphasized by Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda.
Ash Wednesday initiates the Lenten season in the Catholic Church, which is designed to prepare believers for the celebration of Easter. Archbishop Tadeusz Wojda, the chairman of the Polish Bishops' Conference, emphasized the importance of this time as an opportunity to draw closer to Christ, inviting the faithful to rediscover the depth of God's mercy, especially through the sacraments of confession and Eucharist. He encourages people to actively engage in their spiritual journey rather than waiting passively for Easter.
In his message regarding Lent 2026, Archbishop Wojda reminded the congregation that this 40-day spiritual journey is meant for active conversion and vigilance. He urged the faithful to seek Christ in their everyday lives, emphasizing that the essence of Lent is about spiritual growth and renewal. The archbishop’s call is not just for adherence to traditions but to foster a deeper relationship with faith during this time of reflection.
Additionally, 2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, and Wojda hopes that the words of this great advocate for peace will accompany the faithful throughout the Lenten season. This reflection on St. Francis invites a reminder of the call to be instruments of peace and mercy, thus enriching the spiritual significance of this period leading up to Easter.
