The Way of the Cross — and the third, seventh, and ninth stations in particular — has been an especially appropriate Lenten devotion this year. Every day, it seems, some new craziness erupts in the world, the country, or the Church. Every time we think we see rays of hope and possibility, we take another fall.

After his death on the cross, Jesus descended into the “hell” that was simply the netherworld in order to free the dead who had sought to love and honor God despite the original sin that bound them, in order that Jesus might bring them into the fullness of life

As much as we want to keep trying to fix a problem, maybe this is the time to hand it over to God. We can place whatever is troubling us into his hands, trusting that he will walk with us, moving mountains we cannot move and preparing us for the next step on our journey.  

What we call “Easter” is not only for the moment, as if it can just come and go like any other weekend. It’s about the past, present and future.

From the cross, the Innocent One, the Lamb without blemish, embraces his own suffering, mystical body. Wherever sin runs deep in our souls, Jesus heals it.

Whether you have been preparing since Ash Wednesday or are just deciding that you want to shift into a new mode now, the moment is yours.

Jesus’ Paschal sacrifice is made really, truly present before our praying eyes on the altar at every Mass. And even after Mass, his body, blood, soul and divinity remain in our midst in the tabernacle. The Triduum attunes us to this reality each year.

What is the point of a pilgrimage? Where did this idea come from for Catholics? There is considerable evidence throughout Scripture, which supplies theological significance to the concept. Even today we see many embracing this activity with passion and the commitment of time and resources.

A member of a wealthy and respected Catholic family, with excellent contacts among America’s political and social elite, Archbishop Carroll proved notably adept at building bridges with the non-Catholic world in a career spanning more than three decades.

During this special time, we enter into the passion of Christ — his Crucifixion, death and Resurrection — through liturgical celebration and personal conversion.