Ash Wednesday Mass - February 18, 2026

Good afternoon and welcome to St. Good afternoon and welcome to St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite you to join in the singing of all the you to join in the singing of all the you to join in the singing of all the hymns and acclamations of the mass. The hymns and acclamations of the mass. The hymns and acclamations of the mass. The numbers are listed in the mass program numbers are listed in the mass program numbers are listed in the mass program and they can be found in the blue hymn and they can be found in the blue hymn and they can be found in the blue hymn books in your pew. Please stand and join books in your pew. Please stand and join books in your pew. Please stand and join in the entrance hymn number 69. Lord who in the entrance hymn number 69. Lord who in the entrance hymn number 69. Lord who throughout these 40 days number 69. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> 40 days for us [singing] with just and >> 40 days for us [singing] with just and >> 40 days for us [singing] with just and pray. pray. pray. Teach [music and singing] us with Teach [music and singing] us with Teach [music and singing] us with all our sins that go by [music] the toe [music] and his [singing] [music] and his [singing] victory.

[singing] to fight. in me to coner [singing] to fight. in me to coner [music] [music] [music] sustain. [music] [music] [singing] life life [music and singing] [music] in life [singing] [music] in life [singing] and death and death and death to [music] to [music] to [music] us [music and singing] [music and singing] Make us thous. Make us thous. Make us thous. is [singing and music] for suffering is [singing and music] for suffering is [singing and music] for suffering over over over [music] in the name of the Father and of the Son

in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. and of the Holy Spirit. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Peace be with you. >> Peace be with you. >> Peace be with you. >> And with your spirit. >> And with your spirit. >> And with your spirit. would like to warmly welcome your would like to warmly welcome your would like to warmly welcome your brothers and sisters to our holy mass brothers and sisters to our holy mass brothers and sisters to our holy mass this evening as we gather as a family, this evening as we gather as a family, this evening as we gather as a family, God's family in God's house, which is God's family in God's house, which is God's family in God's house, which is our house, this beautiful cathedral our house, this beautiful cathedral our house, this beautiful cathedral basilica, basilica, basilica, as we offer a praise and thanksgiving to as we offer a praise and thanksgiving to as we offer a praise and thanksgiving to the Lord always in every mass for all the Lord always in every mass for all the Lord always in every mass for all that he has done and continues to do for that he has done and continues to do for that he has done and continues to do for us in a very special way this evening as us in a very special way this evening as us in a very special way this evening as we embark upon a most gracefilled we embark upon a most gracefilled we embark upon a most gracefilled and lifechanging changing 40-day desert and lifechanging changing 40-day desert and lifechanging changing 40-day desert experience with Jesus. experience with Jesus. experience with Jesus. We journey together for the next 40 days We journey together for the next 40 days We journey together for the next 40 days allowing God to touch our hearts, allowing God to touch our hearts, allowing God to touch our hearts, to strengthen us, to purify us, to to strengthen us, to purify us, to to strengthen us, to purify us, to inspire us, inspire us, inspire us, to change us so that we may always be to change us so that we may always be to change us so that we may always be pleasing to him and follow his holy pleasing to him and follow his holy pleasing to him and follow his holy will.

Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting this campaign of Christian holy fasting this campaign of Christian holy fasting this campaign of Christian service, so that as we take up battle service, so that as we take up battle service, so that as we take up battle against spiritual evils, against spiritual evils, against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of we may be armed with weapons of we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. self-restraint. self-restraint. through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. and ever. and ever. >> Amen. A reading from the book of the prophet A reading from the book of the prophet Joel. Even now, says the Lord, Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, return to me with all your heart, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with fasting, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.

with weeping, and with mourning. with weeping, and with mourning. Rend your hearts and not your clothing. Rend your hearts and not your clothing. Rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord your God, Return to the Lord your God, Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, for he is gracious and merciful, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger slow to anger slow to anger and bounding in steadfast love and and bounding in steadfast love and and bounding in steadfast love and relents from punishing. relents from punishing. relents from punishing. Who knows whether the Lord will not turn Who knows whether the Lord will not turn Who knows whether the Lord will not turn and relent and leave a blessing behind and relent and leave a blessing behind and relent and leave a blessing behind him? him? him? A grain offering A grain offering A grain offering and a drink offering to be presented to and a drink offering to be presented to and a drink offering to be presented to the Lord your God. Blow the trumpet in Zion. Blow the trumpet in Zion. Sanctify a fast. Sanctify a fast. Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. Call a solemn assembly. Call a solemn assembly. Gather the people. Gather the people. Gather the people. Sanctify the congregation.

Sanctify the congregation. Sanctify the congregation. Assemble the aged. Assemble the aged. Assemble the aged. Gather the children, even infants, at Gather the children, even infants, at Gather the children, even infants, at the breast. the breast. the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and Let the bridegroom leave his room, and Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. the bride her canopy. the bride her canopy. between the vestibule and the altar. between the vestibule and the altar. between the vestibule and the altar. Let the priests, the ministers of the Let the priests, the ministers of the Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord weep. Lord weep. Lord weep. Let them say, Let them say, Let them say, "Spare your people, O Lord, "Spare your people, O Lord, "Spare your people, O Lord, and do not make your heritage a mockery, and do not make your heritage a mockery, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among nations." Why should it be said among the peoples, Why should it be said among the peoples, "Where is their God?" Then the Lord became jealous for his Then the Lord became jealous for his land land land and had pity on his people.

Have mercy, O Lord, Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned. Have mercy, oh Lord, Have mercy, oh Lord, for we [singing] for we [singing] for we [singing] have sinned. Have mercy on [singing] me, oh God, Have mercy on [singing] me, oh God, according to your steadfast love. according to your steadfast love. according to your steadfast love. according to your punt [singing] according to your punt [singing] according to your punt [singing] mercy. [music] mercy. [music] mercy. [music] Blot out my transgressions. Blot out my transgressions. Blot out my transgressions. [music] [music] [music] Wash me thoroughly [singing] Wash me thoroughly [singing] Wash me thoroughly [singing] from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. and cleanse me from my sin. Have mercy, [music and singing] Have mercy, [music and singing] Have mercy, [music and singing] oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, for we for we for we have [music and singing] sinned. and my sin is ever before me. [music] and my sin is ever before me. [music] Against you, you alone have I sinned Against you, you alone have I sinned Against you, you alone have I sinned and done what [singing] is evil in your and done what [singing] is evil in your and done what [singing] is evil in your sight.

sight. sight. Have mercy, [music and singing] oh Lord, Have mercy, [music and singing] oh Lord, Have mercy, [music and singing] oh Lord, for we have [music and singing] sinned. Create in me a clean heart, oh God, Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and put a new and right spirit within and put a new and right spirit within and put a new and right spirit within me. me. me. Do not cast me away from [singing] your Do not cast me away from [singing] your Do not cast me away from [singing] your presence presence presence and do not take your holy spirit from and do not take your holy spirit from and do not take your holy spirit from me. me. me. Have mercy, [music and singing] Have mercy, [music and singing] Have mercy, [music and singing] oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, for we for we for we have sinned. have sinned. have sinned. Restore Restore Restore [music] [music] [music] to me the joy of your salvation to me the joy of your salvation to me the joy of your salvation and sustain in me a willing spirit. and sustain in me a willing spirit. and sustain in me a willing spirit. Oh Lord, [singing] Oh Lord, [singing] Oh Lord, [singing] open my lips open my lips open my lips and my mouth [singing] will declare your and my mouth [singing] will declare your and my mouth [singing] will declare your praise.

Have mercy, [music and singing] O Lord, Have mercy, [music and singing] O Lord, for we for we for we have [singing and music] sinned. A reading from the second letter of St. A reading from the second letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Paul to the Corinthians. Paul to the Corinthians. Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, we are ambassadors for Christ. Since God we are ambassadors for Christ. Since God we are ambassadors for Christ. Since God is making his appeal through us, we is making his appeal through us, we is making his appeal through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be entreat you on behalf of Christ, be entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. reconciled to God. reconciled to God. For our sake, God made Christ to be sin, For our sake, God made Christ to be sin, For our sake, God made Christ to be sin, who knew no sin, who knew no sin, who knew no sin, so that in Christ, we might become the so that in Christ, we might become the so that in Christ, we might become the righteousness of God. righteousness of God. righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge As we work together with him, we urge As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God you also not to accept the grace of God you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For the Lord says, "At an in vain. For the Lord says, "At an in vain. For the Lord says, "At an acceptable time, I have listened to you.

acceptable time, I have listened to you. acceptable time, I have listened to you. And on a day of salvation, I have helped And on a day of salvation, I have helped And on a day of salvation, I have helped you. See, now is the acceptable time. you. See, now is the acceptable time. you. See, now is the acceptable time. See, now is the day of salvation." See, now is the day of salvation." See, now is the day of salvation." >> The word of the Lord. Thank God.

Praise to [singing] You Lord, King of Praise to [singing] You Lord, King of eternal gloryy. Praise [music and singing] Praise [music and singing] to you Lord, King of eternal [singing] to you Lord, King of eternal [singing] to you Lord, King of eternal [singing] glory. [music] Today, do not harden your hearts, Today, do not harden your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. but listen to the voice of the Lord. but listen to the voice of the Lord. Praise to you [singing and music] Lord, Praise to you [singing and music] Lord, Praise to you [singing and music] Lord, King of eternal glory. [singing] >> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. >> And your spirit. >> And your spirit. >> And your spirit. >> A reading from the Holy Gospel according >> A reading from the Holy Gospel according >> A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples, Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of practicing your piety before "Beware of practicing your piety before "Beware of practicing your piety before people in order to be seen by them, for people in order to be seen by them, for people in order to be seen by them, for then you have no reward from your father then you have no reward from your father then you have no reward from your father in heaven. in heaven. in heaven. So whenever you give arms, do not sound So whenever you give arms, do not sound So whenever you give arms, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites a trumpet before you as the hypocrites a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets do in the synagogues and in the streets do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may be praised by others. so that they may be praised by others. so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received Truly I tell you, they have received Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. their reward. their reward. But when you give arms, do not let your But when you give arms, do not let your But when you give arms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is left hand know what your right hand is left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your arms may be done in doing, so that your arms may be done in doing, so that your arms may be done in secret, and your father who sees in secret, and your father who sees in secret, and your father who sees in secret will reward you. secret will reward you. secret will reward you. And whenever you pray, do not be like And whenever you pray, do not be like And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand the hypocrites, for they love to stand the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at street and pray in the synagogues and at street and pray in the synagogues and at street corners, so that they may be seen by corners, so that they may be seen by corners, so that they may be seen by others. others. others. Truly, I tell you, they have received Truly, I tell you, they have received Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward. their reward. their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room But whenever you pray, go into your room But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door, and pray to your and shut the door, and pray to your and shut the door, and pray to your father who is in secret, and your father father who is in secret, and your father father who is in secret, and your father who sees in secret will reward you.

who sees in secret will reward you. who sees in secret will reward you. And whenever you fast, do not look And whenever you fast, do not look And whenever you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites, for they dismal like the hypocrites, for they dismal like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show disfigure their faces so as to show disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. others that they are fasting. others that they are fasting. Truly, I tell you, they have received Truly, I tell you, they have received Truly, I tell you, they have received their reward. their reward. their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head But when you fast, put oil on your head But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face so that your fasting and wash your face so that your fasting and wash your face so that your fasting may be seen not by others, but by your may be seen not by others, but by your may be seen not by others, but by your father who is in secret. father who is in secret. father who is in secret. And your father who sees in secret will And your father who sees in secret will And your father who sees in secret will reward you. The Gospel of the Lord. The Gospel of the Lord. >> Praise to you,OrdeSus Christ.

>> Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever. >> Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever. Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, Brothers and sisters, the annual celebration of Ash Wednesday the annual celebration of Ash Wednesday the annual celebration of Ash Wednesday and with it the beginning of the Lenton and with it the beginning of the Lenton and with it the beginning of the Lenton season is always a stark reminder that season is always a stark reminder that season is always a stark reminder that we're in constant need of spiritual we're in constant need of spiritual we're in constant need of spiritual renewal renewal renewal and that the church and our Lord Jesus and that the church and our Lord Jesus and that the church and our Lord Jesus himself are present to us and help us in himself are present to us and help us in himself are present to us and help us in this most noble goal. Every year this most noble goal. Every year this most noble goal. Every year devoutly and in a faithfilled way, we devoutly and in a faithfilled way, we devoutly and in a faithfilled way, we fill our churches on this somnity fill our churches on this somnity fill our churches on this somnity to ask for forgiveness, to ask for forgiveness, to ask for forgiveness, to manifest our desire to change, to manifest our desire to change, to manifest our desire to change, to commit to spiritual growth, to commit to spiritual growth, to commit to spiritual growth, and to show solidarity with others. and to show solidarity with others. and to show solidarity with others. Each year provides us a moment of grace Each year provides us a moment of grace Each year provides us a moment of grace and a special time of transformation and a special time of transformation and a special time of transformation of conversion of conversion of conversion of turning back to God. This is of turning back to God. This is of turning back to God. This is beautiful reading. Our first reading beautiful reading. Our first reading beautiful reading. Our first reading today from the prophet Joel. Turn back today from the prophet Joel. Turn back today from the prophet Joel. Turn back to God.

to God. to God. Come back to God. Come back to God. Come back to God. I think it was Padre Peio who said, "If I think it was Padre Peio who said, "If I think it was Padre Peio who said, "If you think God is far, guess who moved?" you think God is far, guess who moved?" you think God is far, guess who moved?" It wasn't God. So we turn back to God. It wasn't God. So we turn back to God. It wasn't God. So we turn back to God. This is a wonderful opera. 40 days. Turn This is a wonderful opera. 40 days. Turn This is a wonderful opera. 40 days. Turn back to God. back to God. back to God. And in in an intimate, personal, And in in an intimate, personal, And in in an intimate, personal, lifegiving, changing, transforming lifegiving, changing, transforming lifegiving, changing, transforming relationship relationship relationship with God, a friendship. I don't call you with God, a friendship. I don't call you with God, a friendship. I don't call you slaves. I call you my friends. Imagine slaves. I call you my friends. Imagine slaves. I call you my friends. Imagine that. The friends of Christ turning back that. The friends of Christ turning back that. The friends of Christ turning back to him. to him. to him. because whether we're conscious of it or because whether we're conscious of it or because whether we're conscious of it or not and sin is definitely what happens. not and sin is definitely what happens. not and sin is definitely what happens. We turn away or we distance ourselves We turn away or we distance ourselves We turn away or we distance ourselves from God. So this is the time come close from God. So this is the time come close from God. So this is the time come close come closer to God. Turn back to God. come closer to God. Turn back to God. come closer to God. Turn back to God. Not too long ago, a couple of days ago Not too long ago, a couple of days ago Not too long ago, a couple of days ago actually, Pope Leo published actually, Pope Leo published actually, Pope Leo published his 2026 Lenton message. I don't know if his 2026 Lenton message. I don't know if his 2026 Lenton message. I don't know if you had time to read that. I encourage you had time to read that. I encourage you had time to read that. I encourage you. It's not long, but it's really you. It's not long, but it's really you. It's not long, but it's really nice. It's very helpful for our 40 days nice. It's very helpful for our 40 days nice. It's very helpful for our 40 days in the desert with Jesus. I'd like to in the desert with Jesus. I'd like to in the desert with Jesus. I'd like to invite you to just listen to four short invite you to just listen to four short invite you to just listen to four short sentences sentences sentences of this message that bring home for us of this message that bring home for us of this message that bring home for us the core message of the season. And he the core message of the season. And he the core message of the season. And he said, "Lent is a time in which the said, "Lent is a time in which the said, "Lent is a time in which the church guided by a sense of maternal church guided by a sense of maternal church guided by a sense of maternal care. The church our mother invites us

care. The church our mother invites us care. The church our mother invites us to place the mystery of God back in the to place the mystery of God back in the to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives center of our lives center of our lives in order to find renewal in our faith in order to find renewal in our faith in order to find renewal in our faith and keep our hearts from being consumed and keep our hearts from being consumed and keep our hearts from being consumed by the anxieties and distractions of by the anxieties and distractions of by the anxieties and distractions of daily life. daily life. daily life. So put God in the center. Put the the So put God in the center. Put the the So put God in the center. Put the the mission of God back in the center of our mission of God back in the center of our mission of God back in the center of our lives. God knows a lot of anxieties and lives. God knows a lot of anxieties and lives. God knows a lot of anxieties and distractions. distractions. distractions. And putting God and his mission, the And putting God and his mission, the And putting God and his mission, the center of our lives will keep our hearts center of our lives will keep our hearts center of our lives will keep our hearts for not being consumed, for not being consumed, for not being consumed, not being consumed by the anxieties and not being consumed by the anxieties and not being consumed by the anxieties and the distractions. And he continues, the distractions. And he continues, the distractions. And he continues, "Every path towards conversion, "Every path towards conversion, "Every path towards conversion, turning back to God, begins by allowing turning back to God, begins by allowing turning back to God, begins by allowing the word of God to touch our hearts and the word of God to touch our hearts and the word of God to touch our hearts and welcoming it with a docile spirit." So welcoming it with a docile spirit." So welcoming it with a docile spirit." So you got the word of God coming to us. We you got the word of God coming to us. We you got the word of God coming to us. We just heard the word of God. And at home, just heard the word of God. And at home, just heard the word of God. And at home, break open the good book, read the break open the good book, read the break open the good book, read the scriptures, and allow the words to touch scriptures, and allow the words to touch scriptures, and allow the words to touch our hearts.

our hearts. our hearts. and we welcome into our hearts the words and we welcome into our hearts the words and we welcome into our hearts the words of Jesus with a docile spirit of Jesus with a docile spirit of Jesus with a docile spirit docsility. That's a wonderful virtue to docsility. That's a wonderful virtue to docsility. That's a wonderful virtue to have. He continues, "There's a have. He continues, "There's a have. He continues, "There's a relationship between the word, relationship between the word, relationship between the word, our acceptance of it, and the our acceptance of it, and the our acceptance of it, and the transformation it brings about." The transformation it brings about." The transformation it brings about." The word comes to us, we accept it, we word comes to us, we accept it, we word comes to us, we accept it, we welcome it, it transforms us. For this welcome it, it transforms us. For this welcome it, it transforms us. For this reason, the Lenton journey is a welcome reason, the Lenton journey is a welcome reason, the Lenton journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the opportunity to heed the voice of the opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord. Lord. Lord. A lot of voices out there, but to heed A lot of voices out there, but to heed A lot of voices out there, but to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our the voice of the Lord and renew our the voice of the Lord and renew our commitment to following Christ, commitment to following Christ, commitment to following Christ, accompanying him on the road to accompanying him on the road to accompanying him on the road to Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem where the mystery of his passion, death, where the mystery of his passion, death, where the mystery of his passion, death, and resurrection will be fulfilled." End and resurrection will be fulfilled." End and resurrection will be fulfilled." End of quote. Really, really nice here. I of quote. Really, really nice here. I of quote. Really, really nice here. I encourage you before the week is over.

encourage you before the week is over. encourage you before the week is over. The message of the pope is really nice. The message of the pope is really nice. The message of the pope is really nice. So, we embark individually, So, we embark individually, So, we embark individually, but also as a community but also as a community but also as a community along this 40-day journey. along this 40-day journey. along this 40-day journey. We're accompanied by the liturgy. We're accompanied by the liturgy. We're accompanied by the liturgy. We're accompanied by the sacraments, We're accompanied by the sacraments, We're accompanied by the sacraments, especially mass and reconciliation. especially mass and reconciliation. especially mass and reconciliation. And we're accompanied by the word of And we're accompanied by the word of And we're accompanied by the word of God. Liturgy, sacraments, word of God. God. Liturgy, sacraments, word of God. God. Liturgy, sacraments, word of God. walk with us and with each other. We're walk with us and with each other. We're walk with us and with each other. We're given opportunities given opportunities given opportunities to purify our hearts, to purify our to purify our hearts, to purify our to purify our hearts, to purify our minds with the three traditional Lenton minds with the three traditional Lenton minds with the three traditional Lenton practices. practices. practices. Prayer, Prayer, Prayer, fasting, almsgiving. These purify fasting, almsgiving. These purify fasting, almsgiving. These purify our hearts, purify our minds, get rid of our hearts, purify our minds, get rid of our hearts, purify our minds, get rid of what is not godly, what is not godly, what is not godly, get rid of what brings us down, get rid get rid of what brings us down, get rid get rid of what brings us down, get rid of what is not pleasing to the Lord.

of what is not pleasing to the Lord. of what is not pleasing to the Lord. And I'd like to share with you two And I'd like to share with you two And I'd like to share with you two special initiatives that I believe can special initiatives that I believe can special initiatives that I believe can also help our time of this radical also help our time of this radical also help our time of this radical renewal of Lent. They're simple and renewal of Lent. They're simple and renewal of Lent. They're simple and beneficial to our journey if we choose beneficial to our journey if we choose beneficial to our journey if we choose to incorporate them in our 40-day to incorporate them in our 40-day to incorporate them in our 40-day spiritual exercises. The first spiritual exercises. The first spiritual exercises. The first initiative initiative initiative is in keeping with one of the major is in keeping with one of the major is in keeping with one of the major themes of our blessed season, prayer. We themes of our blessed season, prayer. We themes of our blessed season, prayer. We know the importance of prayer, our know the importance of prayer, our know the importance of prayer, our loving gaze upon and dialogue with the loving gaze upon and dialogue with the loving gaze upon and dialogue with the Lord. It's a beautiful definition, a Lord. It's a beautiful definition, a Lord. It's a beautiful definition, a loving gaze upon the Lord and dialogue loving gaze upon the Lord and dialogue loving gaze upon the Lord and dialogue with the Lord. Prayer with the Lord. Prayer with the Lord. Prayer and we are likewise aware of the and we are likewise aware of the and we are likewise aware of the different forms of prayer that there is. different forms of prayer that there is. different forms of prayer that there is. And if you look up uh the fourth section And if you look up uh the fourth section And if you look up uh the fourth section of the catechism, the Catholic Church, of the catechism, the Catholic Church, of the catechism, the Catholic Church, there's a beautiful teaching on what is there's a beautiful teaching on what is there's a beautiful teaching on what is Christian prayer. Um, and the classical Christian prayer. Um, and the classical Christian prayer. Um, and the classical definition of prayer being the lifting definition of prayer being the lifting definition of prayer being the lifting up, the lifting up of our minds and up, the lifting up of our minds and up, the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God.

hearts to God. hearts to God. Though clear and easily understood, our Though clear and easily understood, our Though clear and easily understood, our problem is that we too seldom actually problem is that we too seldom actually problem is that we too seldom actually do this when we pray. And for a variety do this when we pray. And for a variety do this when we pray. And for a variety of reasons, prayer is a struggle of reasons, prayer is a struggle of reasons, prayer is a struggle sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. Now I would suggest that we take the Now I would suggest that we take the Now I would suggest that we take the time these 40 days in preparation for time these 40 days in preparation for time these 40 days in preparation for Easter because you know Lent exists Easter because you know Lent exists Easter because you know Lent exists because Easter exists. because Easter exists. because Easter exists. Easter, the death, resurrection of Easter, the death, resurrection of Easter, the death, resurrection of Jesus, the central Jesus, the central Jesus, the central feast of our calendar, the whole year. feast of our calendar, the whole year. feast of our calendar, the whole year. Because of Easter, we backtrack 40 days Because of Easter, we backtrack 40 days Because of Easter, we backtrack 40 days and we prepare, we train our hearts, and we prepare, we train our hearts, and we prepare, we train our hearts, purify our minds, strengthen our will, purify our minds, strengthen our will, purify our minds, strengthen our will, transform so that we may celebrate in 40 transform so that we may celebrate in 40 transform so that we may celebrate in 40 days the death and resurrection of days the death and resurrection of days the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And so I encourage you, this is my first And so I encourage you, this is my first And so I encourage you, this is my first suggestion. suggestion. suggestion. to reflect upon, to read meditatively, to reflect upon, to read meditatively, to reflect upon, to read meditatively, to read as and reflecting upon the seven to read as and reflecting upon the seven to read as and reflecting upon the seven penitential psalms.

penitential psalms. penitential psalms. The seven traditionally penitential The seven traditionally penitential The seven traditionally penitential psalms. We know that in the in the psalms. We know that in the in the psalms. We know that in the in the scriptures there are 150 psalms, right? scriptures there are 150 psalms, right? scriptures there are 150 psalms, right? We hear respatorial psalm. Today we we We hear respatorial psalm. Today we we We hear respatorial psalm. Today we we we we sang right the psalm number 50 we we sang right the psalm number 50 we we sang right the psalm number 50 miser. It's a beautiful psalm miser. It's a beautiful psalm miser. It's a beautiful psalm King David wrote in a situation where he King David wrote in a situation where he King David wrote in a situation where he was very broken. was very broken. was very broken. He and and he had true contrition for He and and he had true contrition for He and and he had true contrition for his sins. And so he wrote this prayer his sins. And so he wrote this prayer his sins. And so he wrote this prayer psalm to God saying Lord have mercy in psalm to God saying Lord have mercy in psalm to God saying Lord have mercy in your kindness. your kindness. your kindness. Wash me clean. and my soul will be clean Wash me clean. and my soul will be clean Wash me clean. and my soul will be clean white. Even though it is scarlet red, white. Even though it is scarlet red, white. Even though it is scarlet red, it'll become white because you forgive it'll become white because you forgive it'll become white because you forgive me. It's a beautiful psalm. And there me. It's a beautiful psalm. And there me. It's a beautiful psalm. And there are in the tradition of the church of are in the tradition of the church of are in the tradition of the church of the 150 psalms, seven which are the the 150 psalms, seven which are the the 150 psalms, seven which are the traditional penitential psalms where traditional penitential psalms where traditional penitential psalms where when we pray these psalms, they help us when we pray these psalms, they help us when we pray these psalms, they help us to understand to understand to understand the mercy and the kindness and the the mercy and the kindness and the the mercy and the kindness and the holiness of God and how we need him. how holiness of God and how we need him. how holiness of God and how we need him. how he comes to us in our woundedness, in he comes to us in our woundedness, in he comes to us in our woundedness, in our brokenness, in our desire to change, our brokenness, in our desire to change, our brokenness, in our desire to change, and he rescues us from ourselves from and he rescues us from ourselves from and he rescues us from ourselves from sin and destruction and gives us a new sin and destruction and gives us a new sin and destruction and gives us a new start.

start. start. The psalms are beautiful prayers, right? The psalms are beautiful prayers, right? The psalms are beautiful prayers, right? They they stem from the Jewish They they stem from the Jewish They they stem from the Jewish tradition. Jesus prayed the psalms and tradition. Jesus prayed the psalms and tradition. Jesus prayed the psalms and it's part of the official prayer of the it's part of the official prayer of the it's part of the official prayer of the church, the divine office, right? the church, the divine office, right? the church, the divine office, right? the liturgy of the hours that countless men liturgy of the hours that countless men liturgy of the hours that countless men and women, religious nuns and monks and and women, religious nuns and monks and and women, religious nuns and monks and priests and lay people chant and pray priests and lay people chant and pray priests and lay people chant and pray and say and read and sing every day of and say and read and sing every day of and say and read and sing every day of of these 150 beautiful inspired psalms. of these 150 beautiful inspired psalms. of these 150 beautiful inspired psalms. These seven I would suggest and this is These seven I would suggest and this is These seven I would suggest and this is an ancient tradition goes back to Pope an ancient tradition goes back to Pope an ancient tradition goes back to Pope Innocent the third in the in the 13th Innocent the third in the in the 13th Innocent the third in the in the 13th century. They're especially important century. They're especially important century. They're especially important and and and and they are you can look them up. and they are you can look them up. and they are you can look them up. Psalms 6:31 Psalms 6:31 Psalms 6:31 3750 3750 3750 m 101 129 and 142. m 101 129 and 142. m 101 129 and 142. I know you don't have a pencil to write I know you don't have a pencil to write I know you don't have a pencil to write these down but you can you can look them these down but you can you can look them these down but you can you can look them up. these seven. Now you can say you can up. these seven. Now you can say you can up. these seven. Now you can say you can recite them every day or there are seven recite them every day or there are seven recite them every day or there are seven Sunday seven Fridays of Lent including Sunday seven Fridays of Lent including Sunday seven Fridays of Lent including Good Friday. You can choose one per Good Friday. You can choose one per Good Friday. You can choose one per Friday.

Friday. Friday. Whatever your circumstance allows you to Whatever your circumstance allows you to Whatever your circumstance allows you to take some time to pray as you read them. take some time to pray as you read them. take some time to pray as you read them. You ask, "What does this mean? You ask, "What does this mean? You ask, "What does this mean? What does this mean for me? How can I What does this mean for me? How can I What does this mean for me? How can I apply this to me?" And it becomes a apply this to me?" And it becomes a apply this to me?" And it becomes a prayer. It becomes a prayer as a as a prayer. It becomes a prayer as a as a prayer. It becomes a prayer as a as a springboard. You read and you think springboard. You read and you think springboard. You read and you think about and it becomes a prayer of union, about and it becomes a prayer of union, about and it becomes a prayer of union, gazing upon the Lord, dialoguing with gazing upon the Lord, dialoguing with gazing upon the Lord, dialoguing with the Lord. The seven penitential psalms. the Lord. The seven penitential psalms. the Lord. The seven penitential psalms. My second suggestion, we're going to My second suggestion, we're going to My second suggestion, we're going to close with this. close with this. close with this. Now, we said prayer is speaking with and Now, we said prayer is speaking with and Now, we said prayer is speaking with and listening to God. I would suggest listening to God. I would suggest listening to God. I would suggest 40 days we have before us in the desert 40 days we have before us in the desert 40 days we have before us in the desert with Jesus they also that we also look with Jesus they also that we also look with Jesus they also that we also look carefully at the words that we use when carefully at the words that we use when carefully at the words that we use when speaking with others because they're speaking with others because they're speaking with others because they're speaking with God listening to God speaking with God listening to God speaking with God listening to God prayer prayer prayer but how about the words we use and are but how about the words we use and are but how about the words we use and are listening to others listening to others listening to others this comes from Pope Leo's message the this comes from Pope Leo's message the this comes from Pope Leo's message the one that we're all going to read by one that we're all going to read by one that we're all going to read by ended by the weekend, right? And he, ended by the weekend, right? And he, ended by the weekend, right? And he, this is what he said, and I thought it this is what he said, and I thought it this is what he said, and I thought it was really nice, and I quote, "I'd like was really nice, and I quote, "I'd like was really nice, and I quote, "I'd like you, I'd like to invite you to a very you, I'd like to invite you to a very you, I'd like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated practical and frequently unappreciated practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence."

form of abstinence." form of abstinence." We can see abstinence today. We're not We can see abstinence today. We're not We can see abstinence today. We're not going to eat meat, right? Abstaining going to eat meat, right? Abstaining going to eat meat, right? Abstaining from meat. That's one form of absence. from meat. That's one form of absence. from meat. That's one form of absence. The Pope saying, "Let me give you The Pope saying, "Let me give you The Pope saying, "Let me give you another form of abstinence as well. that another form of abstinence as well. that another form of abstinence as well. that of refraining refraining from words that of refraining refraining from words that of refraining refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor. Let us begin by disarming Let us begin by disarming our language, disarming our language, our language, disarming our language, our language, disarming our language, avoiding rash words and rash judgment, avoiding rash words and rash judgment, avoiding rash words and rash judgment, refraining from slander, and speaking refraining from slander, and speaking refraining from slander, and speaking ill of those who are not present and ill of those who are not present and ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. cannot defend themselves. cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our Instead, let us strive to measure our Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect words and cultivate kindness and respect words and cultivate kindness and respect in our families, in our families, in our families, among our friends, at work, on social among our friends, at work, on social among our friends, at work, on social media, media, media, in political debates, in the media, and in political debates, in the media, and in political debates, in the media, and Christian communities.

Christian communities. Christian communities. Kindness and respect in our words. In Kindness and respect in our words. In Kindness and respect in our words. In this way, words of hatred will give way this way, words of hatred will give way this way, words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace. I thought that was a beautiful thing. I thought that was a beautiful thing. Abstaining from those words that are Abstaining from those words that are Abstaining from those words that are destructive, those words destructive, those words destructive, those words that are sinful, the gossiping, the that are sinful, the gossiping, the that are sinful, the gossiping, the detraction, and all of that. The Pope detraction, and all of that. The Pope detraction, and all of that. The Pope says, "Let's be very careful these 40 says, "Let's be very careful these 40 says, "Let's be very careful these 40 days days days that every word that comes out of our that every word that comes out of our that every word that comes out of our mouth mouth mouth will be helpful. Every word that comes will be helpful. Every word that comes will be helpful. Every word that comes out will be a word of hope and a word of out will be a word of hope and a word of out will be a word of hope and a word of peace." peace." peace." And so on the one hand, I conclude And so on the one hand, I conclude And so on the one hand, I conclude praying the seven penitential psalms, praying the seven penitential psalms, praying the seven penitential psalms, refraining from hurtful and destructive refraining from hurtful and destructive refraining from hurtful and destructive words, being intentional words, being intentional words, being intentional and generous with words of tr truth and and generous with words of tr truth and and generous with words of tr truth and words of compassion and words of charity words of compassion and words of charity words of compassion and words of charity for others. This will make our Lent for others. This will make our Lent for others. This will make our Lent truly blessed truly blessed truly blessed and a purifying transformative and a purifying transformative and a purifying transformative experience of faith.

experience of faith. experience of faith. And now we proceed with prayer and the And now we proceed with prayer and the And now we proceed with prayer and the blessing of the ashes and the imposition blessing of the ashes and the imposition blessing of the ashes and the imposition of the ashes on our foreheads as a sign of the ashes on our foreheads as a sign of the ashes on our foreheads as a sign of that willingness of that willingness of that willingness to on the one hand acknowledging our to on the one hand acknowledging our to on the one hand acknowledging our sinfulness, sinfulness, sinfulness, our need for God our need for God our need for God and our desire to take those necessary and our desire to take those necessary and our desire to take those necessary steps. steps. steps. to live a life pleasing to God, to live a life pleasing to God, to live a life pleasing to God, free from sin, free from sin, free from sin, a life that is virtuous, a life that is a life that is virtuous, a life that is a life that is virtuous, a life that is committed and generous. Praise the be Jesus Christ now and Praise the be Jesus Christ now and forever.

Dear brothers and sisters, Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly ask God our father let us humbly ask God our father let us humbly ask God our father that he be pleased to bless with the that he be pleased to bless with the that he be pleased to bless with the abundance of his grace these ashes which abundance of his grace these ashes which abundance of his grace these ashes which we will put on our heads in penitence. Oh God, who desire not the death of Oh God, who desire not the death of sinners but their conversion, sinners but their conversion, sinners but their conversion, mercifully hear our prayers and in your mercifully hear our prayers and in your mercifully hear our prayers and in your kindness be pleased to bless these ashes kindness be pleased to bless these ashes kindness be pleased to bless these ashes which we intend to receive upon our which we intend to receive upon our which we intend to receive upon our heads. that we who acknowledge we are heads. that we who acknowledge we are heads. that we who acknowledge we are but ashes and shall return to dust but ashes and shall return to dust but ashes and shall return to dust may through a steadfast observance of may through a steadfast observance of may through a steadfast observance of Lent Lent Lent gain pardon for our sins and newness of gain pardon for our sins and newness of gain pardon for our sins and newness of life after the likeness of your risen life after the likeness of your risen life after the likeness of your risen son who lives and reigns forever and son who lives and reigns forever and son who lives and reigns forever and ever. ever. ever. >> Amen.

Turn away from sin and believe the good Turn away from sin and believe the good news. [singing] [singing] [music] to Let

Let go of is [singing] is [singing] coming to [music] to [music] [singing] me. King us [singing] me. King us [singing] me. King us [music and singing]

in the heart. in the heart. [chant] Hello. Hello. [music] >> [chant and singing] >> [chant and singing] >> Love is

to to his >> [music] >> [music] [singing] We [music]

We [music] [singing] bless [singing] bless [singing] [music] [singing] [singing] him. [music] Come and Come and [music] make [singing] make [singing] the Don't challenge. Don't challenge. [singing] [chant] [chant] [singing] >> [chant] >> [chant] >> the song >> Glores.

>> Glores. [singing] [singing] [singing] I shield at all. at all. There There There is no >> [singing]

>> [singing] >> of his Dear brothers and sisters,

Dear brothers and sisters, we should pour forth prayers at all we should pour forth prayers at all we should pour forth prayers at all times. But above all, in these days of times. But above all, in these days of times. But above all, in these days of Lent, we ought to watch more intently Lent, we ought to watch more intently Lent, we ought to watch more intently with Christ and direct our petition our with Christ and direct our petition our with Christ and direct our petition our petitions more fervently to God. petitions more fervently to God. petitions more fervently to God. for our Holy Father, Pope Leo, our for our Holy Father, Pope Leo, our for our Holy Father, Pope Leo, our Archbishop Frank, our bishops and Archbishop Frank, our bishops and Archbishop Frank, our bishops and priests, that as ambassadors for Christ, priests, that as ambassadors for Christ, priests, that as ambassadors for Christ, they may fearlessly proclaim the need they may fearlessly proclaim the need they may fearlessly proclaim the need for repentance and reconciliation with for repentance and reconciliation with for repentance and reconciliation with God during this season of Lent. We pray God during this season of Lent. We pray God during this season of Lent. We pray to the Lord. Lord here our pray to the Lord. Lord here our pray to the Lord. Lord here our pray >> for the leaders of Christian nations >> for the leaders of Christian nations >> for the leaders of Christian nations that through the grace of this holy that through the grace of this holy that through the grace of this holy season they may be given clarity of season they may be given clarity of season they may be given clarity of heart and vision and be sustained with a heart and vision and be sustained with a heart and vision and be sustained with a willing spirit to work for justice and willing spirit to work for justice and willing spirit to work for justice and peace. We pray to the Lord. Lord here peace. We pray to the Lord. Lord here peace. We pray to the Lord. Lord here our pray our pray our pray >> for all of us gathered in the sacred >> for all of us gathered in the sacred >> for all of us gathered in the sacred assembly who have accepted the sign of assembly who have accepted the sign of assembly who have accepted the sign of ashes as a confession of our mortality ashes as a confession of our mortality ashes as a confession of our mortality and faith in the living God that we may and faith in the living God that we may and faith in the living God that we may make room for that divine life to grow make room for that divine life to grow make room for that divine life to grow by our hidden deeds of penance and by our hidden deeds of penance and by our hidden deeds of penance and mercy. We pray to the Lord. Lord here mercy. We pray to the Lord. Lord here mercy. We pray to the Lord. Lord here our pray our pray our pray >> for the sick, the forgotten poor, the >> for the sick, the forgotten poor, the >> for the sick, the forgotten poor, the imprisoned and the lonely that the imprisoned and the lonely that the imprisoned and the lonely that the softening of hearts may begin to loosen

softening of hearts may begin to loosen softening of hearts may begin to loosen their bonds as love begins to flow in their bonds as love begins to flow in their bonds as love begins to flow in them in Jesus's name. We pray to the them in Jesus's name. We pray to the them in Jesus's name. We pray to the Lord. Lord, here our pray Lord. Lord, here our pray Lord. Lord, here our pray >> for the dead. That the one who became >> for the dead. That the one who became >> for the dead. That the one who became sin for their sake may cleanse them of sin for their sake may cleanse them of sin for their sake may cleanse them of all stain and share with them his joy in all stain and share with them his joy in all stain and share with them his joy in the glorious kingdom of heaven. the glorious kingdom of heaven. the glorious kingdom of heaven. >> We pray to the Lord. >> We pray to the Lord. >> We pray to the Lord. >> Lord our pray. >> Lord our pray. >> Lord our pray. >> Together we embark upon this 40-day >> Together we embark upon this 40-day >> Together we embark upon this 40-day journey of Lenton. We know that the Lord journey of Lenton. We know that the Lord journey of Lenton. We know that the Lord Jesus walks with us. We also walk Jesus walks with us. We also walk Jesus walks with us. We also walk together as his disciples and as a together as his disciples and as a together as his disciples and as a family. And in this family, we have a family. And in this family, we have a family. And in this family, we have a very special person who's always there very special person who's always there very special person who's always there for us, guiding us, encouraging us, for us, guiding us, encouraging us, for us, guiding us, encouraging us, praying for us, modeling for us what it praying for us, modeling for us what it praying for us, modeling for us what it is to be a Christian, what it is to be a is to be a Christian, what it is to be a is to be a Christian, what it is to be a follower. And that's Mother Mary. follower. And that's Mother Mary. follower. And that's Mother Mary. Let us turn to her with our the gaze of Let us turn to her with our the gaze of Let us turn to her with our the gaze of our hearts and ask her our hearts and ask her our hearts and ask her to help us walk resolutely and with to help us walk resolutely and with to help us walk resolutely and with generosity in these 40 days that we may generosity in these 40 days that we may generosity in these 40 days that we may be truly transformed into the likeness be truly transformed into the likeness be truly transformed into the likeness more and more of her son.

more and more of her son. more and more of her son. Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst with thee. Blessed art thou amongst with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy women and blessed is the fruit of thy women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour pray for us sinners now and at the hour pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Grant we pray, O Lord, of our death. Grant we pray, O Lord, of our death. Grant we pray, O Lord, that your people may turn to you with that your people may turn to you with that your people may turn to you with all their heart, so that whatever they all their heart, so that whatever they all their heart, so that whatever they dare to ask in prayer, they may receive dare to ask in prayer, they may receive dare to ask in prayer, they may receive by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. by your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Please be seated. Please join in singing number 88. Part Please join in singing number 88. Part Domina number 88.

A sky is no is A sky is no is a a a >> [chant] >> [chant] >> [chant] >> in a choic. a choic. [singing] [singing] [singing] >> cho. for a [singing] a [singing] minute to to clemen [singing]

[singing] [music] [music] [music] is loy. >> [music] >> [music] >> Temples [singing] >> Temples [singing] >> Temples [singing] are the the room reord. >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Lord in eternity. [singing] in eternity. [singing] [music] [singing]

[singing] There in There in There in no no no [music] scr scr I'll [singing] make >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Is he on his grat? See [singing] [singing] [music] Pray brothers and sisters that my

Pray brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the almighty father. As we solemnly offer the annual As we solemnly offer the annual sacrifice for the beginning of Lent, we sacrifice for the beginning of Lent, we sacrifice for the beginning of Lent, we entreat you, oh Lord, that through works entreat you, oh Lord, that through works entreat you, oh Lord, that through works of penance and charity, we may turn away of penance and charity, we may turn away of penance and charity, we may turn away from harmful pleasures and cleanse from from harmful pleasures and cleanse from from harmful pleasures and cleanse from our sins may be made may become worthy our sins may be made may become worthy our sins may be made may become worthy to celebrate devoutly the passion of to celebrate devoutly the passion of to celebrate devoutly the passion of your son who lives and reigns forever your son who lives and reigns forever your son who lives and reigns forever and for ever. and for ever. and for ever. >> Amen. >> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. >> And with your spirit. >> And with your spirit. >> And with your spirit. >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the >> Lift up your hearts. Lift them up to the Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> It is right and >> It is right and >> It is right and >> it is truly right and just our duty and >> it is truly right and just our duty and >> it is truly right and just our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to our salvation always and everywhere to our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God.

Almighty and eternal God. Almighty and eternal God. For you will that our self-denial should For you will that our self-denial should For you will that our self-denial should give you thanks, humble our sinful give you thanks, humble our sinful give you thanks, humble our sinful pride, contribute to the feeding of the pride, contribute to the feeding of the pride, contribute to the feeding of the poor, and so help us imitate you in your poor, and so help us imitate you in your poor, and so help us imitate you in your kindness. kindness. kindness. And so we glorify you with countless And so we glorify you with countless And so we glorify you with countless angels as with one voice of praise we angels as with one voice of praise we angels as with one voice of praise we acclaim. [singing] [singing] [music] [music] [music] >> soon >> soon >> soon as as as [music] gloran [singing] we we inana [music and singing] You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you praise.

have created rightly gives you praise. have created rightly gives you praise. For through your son, our Lord Jesus For through your son, our Lord Jesus For through your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Christ, by the power and working of the Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things Holy Spirit, you give life to all things Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy. and make them holy. and make them holy. And you never cease to gather a people And you never cease to gather a people And you never cease to gather a people to yourself to yourself to yourself so that from the rising of the sun to so that from the rising of the sun to so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be its setting, a pure sacrifice may be its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. offered to your name. offered to your name. Therefore, Lord, we humbly implore you, Therefore, Lord, we humbly implore you, Therefore, Lord, we humbly implore you, by the same Spirit, graciously make holy by the same Spirit, graciously make holy by the same Spirit, graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for these gifts we have brought to you for these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the consecration, that they may become the consecration, that they may become the body and blood of your son, our Lord body and blood of your son, our Lord body and blood of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we Jesus Christ, at whose command we Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these mysteries. celebrate these mysteries. celebrate these mysteries. For on the night he was betrayed, he For on the night he was betrayed, he For on the night he was betrayed, he himself took bread and giving you himself took bread and giving you himself took bread and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, broke the thanks, he said the blessing, broke the thanks, he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, bread and gave it to his disciples, bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take this all of you and eat of saying, "Take this all of you and eat of saying, "Take this all of you and eat of it, for this is my body which will be it, for this is my body which will be it, for this is my body which will be given up for you.

>> In a similar way, when supper was ended, >> In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice and giving you he took the chalice and giving you he took the chalice and giving you thanks, he said the blessing and gave thanks, he said the blessing and gave thanks, he said the blessing and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, the chalice to his disciples, saying, the chalice to his disciples, saying, "Take this all of you and drink from it. "Take this all of you and drink from it. "Take this all of you and drink from it. For this is the chalice of my blood, the For this is the chalice of my blood, the For this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, blood of the new and eternal covenant, blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for which will be poured out for you and for which will be poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. many, for the forgiveness of sins. many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me. [music] [music] [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] [music]

[music] [music] [singing] >> Therefore, Lord, as we celebrate the >> Therefore, Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your son, his wondrous resurrection and son, his wondrous resurrection and son, his wondrous resurrection and ascension into heaven, and as we look ascension into heaven, and as we look ascension into heaven, and as we look forward to his second coming, we offer forward to his second coming, we offer forward to his second coming, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy holy and you in thanksgiving this holy holy and you in thanksgiving this holy holy and living sacrifice. living sacrifice. living sacrifice. Look, we pray upon the oblation of your Look, we pray upon the oblation of your Look, we pray upon the oblation of your church and recognize in the sacrificial church and recognize in the sacrificial church and recognize in the sacrificial victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood who are nourished by the body and blood who are nourished by the body and blood of your son and filled with his holy of your son and filled with his holy of your son and filled with his holy spirit may become one body, one spirit spirit may become one body, one spirit spirit may become one body, one spirit in Christ. May he make of us an eternal offering to May he make of us an eternal offering to you so that we may obtain an inheritance you so that we may obtain an inheritance you so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect especially with the most with your elect especially with the most with your elect especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary mother of God with blessed Virgin Mary mother of God with blessed Virgin Mary mother of God with blessed Joseph her spouse with your blessed Joseph her spouse with your blessed Joseph her spouse with your blessed apostles and martyrs with St. blessed apostles and martyrs with St. blessed apostles and martyrs with St. Michael and with all the saints on whose Michael and with all the saints on whose Michael and with all the saints on whose constant intercession in your presence constant intercession in your presence constant intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help.

we rely for unfailing help. we rely for unfailing help. May this sacrifice of our May this sacrifice of our May this sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the the peace and salvation of all the the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith world. Be pleased to confirm in faith world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on earth and charity your pilgrim church on earth and charity your pilgrim church on earth with your servant Leo our pope and with your servant Leo our pope and with your servant Leo our pope and Francis our bishop, the order of Francis our bishop, the order of Francis our bishop, the order of bishops, all the clergy, and the entire bishops, all the clergy, and the entire bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you've gained for your own. people you've gained for your own. people you've gained for your own. Listen graciously to the prayers of this Listen graciously to the prayers of this Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom you have summoned before family whom you have summoned before family whom you have summoned before you. In your compassion, oh merciful you. In your compassion, oh merciful you. In your compassion, oh merciful father, gather to yourself all your father, gather to yourself all your father, gather to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world. children scattered throughout the world. children scattered throughout the world. To our departed brothers and sisters, To our departed brothers and sisters, To our departed brothers and sisters, and to all who are pleasing to you at and to all who are pleasing to you at and to all who are pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind their passing from this life, give kind their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom. There we admittance to your kingdom. There we admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of hope to enjoy forever the fullness of hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory. Through Christ our Lord, your glory. Through Christ our Lord, your glory. Through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all through whom you bestow on the world all through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. Through him and with him and in him, Through him and with him and in him, O God, almighty Father, O God, almighty Father, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours forever forever forever and ever.

At the Savior's command and formed by At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say, Our divine teaching, we dare to say, Our divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. Graciously grant peace in every evil. Graciously grant peace in every evil. Graciously grant peace in our days that by the help of your mercy our days that by the help of your mercy our days that by the help of your mercy we may be always free from sin and safe we may be always free from sin and safe we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress as we await the from all distress as we await the from all distress as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our blessed hope and the coming of our blessed hope and the coming of our savior Jesus Christ. >> Lord Jesus Christ who said to your >> Lord Jesus Christ who said to your apostles peace I leave you my peace I apostles peace I leave you my peace I apostles peace I leave you my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on give you. Look not on our sins, but on give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church and graciously the faith of your church and graciously the faith of your church and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance grant her peace and unity in accordance grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign with your will. Who live and reign with your will. Who live and reign forever and ever.

forever and ever. forever and ever. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> The peace of the Lord be with you >> The peace of the Lord be with you >> The peace of the Lord be with you always. always. always. >> Let us offer each other a sign of peace. >> Let us offer each other a sign of peace. >> Let us offer each other a sign of peace. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Peace be with you. >> Peace be with you. Peace. Your >> Peace be with you. Peace. Your >> Peace be with you. Peace. Your reverence. [music] [music] [singing] Peace and heaven. Peace and heaven. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Are you rejo? rejo? >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> is God Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world.

takes away the sins of the world. takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. of the Lamb. of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that you should Lord, I am not worthy that you should Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the enter under my roof, but only say the enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

>> [crying] >> [crying] >> before. to to Act of spiritual communion.

of spiritual communion. My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy sacrament. I love you in the most holy sacrament. I love you in the most holy sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive above all things and I desire to receive above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this you into my soul. Since I cannot at this you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come moment receive you sacramentally, come moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I at least spiritually into my heart. I at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you are already there embrace you as if you are already there embrace you as if you are already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never and unite myself wholly to you. Never and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. permit me to be separated from you. permit me to be separated from you. Amen. [singing] [singing] >> of >> of >> of [music] man. Glory of [singing] of [singing] the the the [music]

[music] [music] soul. in in [music] [music] [music] shel. >> [music] >> [music] >> in glorious glorious [music] >> [music] >> [music] [singing] [singing]

[singing] Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Please join in singing number 89. Please join in singing number 89. Attende domin number eight nine Exile

Exile suprem >> We are [singing] the most >> We are [singing] the most [music] >> attend. >> attend. [singing and music] to our door be

to our door be your God your God your God attended all [singing] [music] [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] of [singing] [singing] testies redist redist to conserve Christender we are [singing] we are [singing] most. most. most. [music]

May the sacrament we have received May the sacrament we have received sustain us, O Lord, that our Lent and sustain us, O Lord, that our Lent and sustain us, O Lord, that our Lent and fast may be pleasing to you and before fast may be pleasing to you and before fast may be pleasing to you and before us a healing remedy through Christ our us a healing remedy through Christ our us a healing remedy through Christ our Lord. Lord. Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Before the final blessing, I just want >> Before the final blessing, I just want >> Before the final blessing, I just want to say thank you so much for coming out to say thank you so much for coming out to say thank you so much for coming out this evening to worship with us the Holy this evening to worship with us the Holy this evening to worship with us the Holy Mass. Despite the terrible weather, you Mass. Despite the terrible weather, you Mass. Despite the terrible weather, you weathered the storm and you're here and weathered the storm and you're here and weathered the storm and you're here and I think that is pleasing to God and we I think that is pleasing to God and we I think that is pleasing to God and we his children. um are come together in his children. um are come together in his children. um are come together in this wonderful beginning of a of a a this wonderful beginning of a of a a this wonderful beginning of a of a a lifegiving uh journey of 40 days. And I lifegiving uh journey of 40 days. And I lifegiving uh journey of 40 days. And I want to thank the director of the CA of want to thank the director of the CA of want to thank the director of the CA of the cathedral, Father Edwin, and uh the cathedral, Father Edwin, and uh the cathedral, Father Edwin, and uh Manior Biano here, and of course the Manior Biano here, and of course the Manior Biano here, and of course the wonderful choir did a spectacular job wonderful choir did a spectacular job wonderful choir did a spectacular job today. and the cathedral priests, Father today. and the cathedral priests, Father today. and the cathedral priests, Father Kevin, Father Francis, and the lectors Kevin, Father Francis, and the lectors Kevin, Father Francis, and the lectors and the servers and the volunteers and and the servers and the volunteers and and the servers and the volunteers and the pastoral team that made this evening the pastoral team that made this evening the pastoral team that made this evening uh a beautiful celebration of faith and uh a beautiful celebration of faith and uh a beautiful celebration of faith and a wonderful beginning of a of a season a wonderful beginning of a of a season a wonderful beginning of a of a season that the for which the Lord is reserving that the for which the Lord is reserving that the for which the Lord is reserving special graces for us these 40 days. And special graces for us these 40 days. And special graces for us these 40 days. And all we got to do is get closer to him, all we got to do is get closer to him, all we got to do is get closer to him, open up our hearts, and welcome those open up our hearts, and welcome those open up our hearts, and welcome those graces to be transformed from glory into graces to be transformed from glory into graces to be transformed from glory into glory. So I wish you all a a wonderful glory. So I wish you all a a wonderful glory. So I wish you all a a wonderful Lent and season, blessed and made holy Lent and season, blessed and made holy Lent and season, blessed and made holy by the presence of Jesus.

by the presence of Jesus. by the presence of Jesus. The Lord be with you. Pour out a spirit of compunction, oh Pour out a spirit of compunction, oh God, on those who bow before your God, on those who bow before your God, on those who bow before your majesty. majesty. majesty. And by your mercy, may they merit the And by your mercy, may they merit the And by your mercy, may they merit the rewards you promise to those who do rewards you promise to those who do rewards you promise to those who do penance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. penance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. penance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. >> And may Almighty God bless you, the >> And may Almighty God bless you, the >> And may Almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. >> Amen. Go in peace to love and serve the >> Amen. Go in peace to love and serve the >> Amen. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. Lord. Thanks be to God. Lord. Thanks be to God. >> St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in >> St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in >> St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in be our protection against the wickedness be our protection against the wickedness be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. God we welcome and snares of the devil. God we welcome and snares of the devil. God we welcome him we humbly pray. And do thou, O him we humbly pray. And do thou, O him we humbly pray. And do thou, O prince of the heavenly host by the power prince of the heavenly host by the power prince of the heavenly host by the power of God, th into hell Satan and all the of God, th into hell Satan and all the of God, th into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world evil spirits who prowl about the world evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Please join in singing the closing hymn Please join in singing the closing hymn number 72. The glory of these 40 days. number 72. The glory of these 40 days. number 72. The glory of these 40 days. Number 72. Number 72. Number 72. [music] days we [singing] celebrate days we [singing] celebrate [music] [music] [music] with sons of praise with sons of praise with sons of praise for [music] Christ my home all things for [music] Christ my home all things for [music] Christ my home all things [singing] [singing] [singing] were were were himself. self has [music] passed himself. self has [music] passed himself. self has [music] passed and has praying the lo [singing] the lo [singing] [music] and to and to [music] [music] [music] blessing [singing] blessing [singing] blessing [singing] the se the se the se [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] of and [music] all the by that became

and [music] all the by that became the herald [music] the herald [music] the herald [music] of me. [singing] Grant us all [music and singing] Grant us all [music and singing] to be full of deep [music] to be full of deep [music] to be full of deep [music] and pray with me. with thy grace and [music] give us with thy grace and [music] give us to see our face. [music] Father Father and son and spirit and son and spirit and son and spirit to thee we to thee we to thee we pray. [music and singing] Oh Oh great [singing] name great [singing] name great [singing] name from from from to to to the holy the holy the holy [music] Lord.