We are just days away from entering into the Lenten Season. On Wednesday, we will begin our Lenten Observance as we mark our foreheads with ashes in the sign of the Cross. So, we will enter into the typical conversations as we do each year prior to Lent ~ What are you going to give up this year for Lent? Might I suggest a practice that you can add on this year for Lent? I have started a practice that I recently learned from reading a treatise on the Eucharist. One day while in prayer, St. Catherine had an overwhelming sense that her father was in Purgatory. She asked our Lord how many Holy Communions would she have to receive in order for him to be released from Purgatory. Once she received the number, she began to receive Holy Communion for his soul until she satisfied that number. I have done it so far for my dad, mom, and am currently doing it now for my sister, Margie. In each instance, this Eucharistic practice ended on a day of significance for myself and my parents. Also, because the Holy Mass schedule varies due to additional Masses and funerals, there would be no way for me to plan ahead in order to end on a specific day. I encourage each of you now to think of a loved one and ask the Lord just how many Holy Communions you need to receive for them. Then get going on this beautiful Eucharistic practice.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne