Vatican City, Feb 14, 2018 / 09:33 am
At Mass for Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis invited everyone to live the 40 days of Lent as a time to "pause" from things which keep us from virtue and to return home to the loving and merciful embrace of God the Father.
"Return without fear to those outstretched, eager arms of your Father, who is rich in mercy, who awaits you. Return without fear, for this is the favorable time to come home," the Pope said Feb. 14.
"[Lent] is the time for allowing one's heart to be touched..." he continued, explaining how "persisting on the path of evil only gives rise to disappointment and sadness. True life is something quite distinct and our heart indeed knows this. God does not tire, nor will he tire, of holding out his hand."
Marking the start of the Lenten season Feb. 14, Pope Francis prayed the Stations of the Cross at St. Anselm Church in Rome before processing the short way to the Basilica of Santa Sabina for the celebration of Mass, benediction, and the imposition of ashes.