May we learn to say “thank you” to God and to one another. We teach children to do it, and then we forget to do it ourselves!

Too often we participate in the globalization of indifference. May we strive instead to live global solidarity.

Fathers are so necessary as examples and guides for our children in wisdom and virtue. Without father figures, young people often feel orphaned; left adrift at a critical moment in their growth and development.

We pray for the many brothers and sisters who seek refuge far from their native lands, who seek a home where they can live without fear: that they might always be respected in their dignity.

If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good.

Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.

It seems that humanity is incapable of putting a halt to the shedding of innocent blood.