For centuries, Catholics around the world have observed the season of Lent, dedicating themselves to spiritual renewal in the 40 days before Easter. It is a time of reflection – of prayer, penitence, and almsgiving as we strive to be more like Christ.
In today’s post, we invite you to reflect on 10 quotes from the popes and saints for Lent, offering insights on Christ’s Passion and the spiritual practices of the penitential season.
On the Lenten Journey
“During Lent, we prepare to relive the Paschal Mystery, which sheds the light of hope upon the whole of our existence, even its most complex and painful aspects… let us set out with trust on our Lenten journey, sustained by fervent prayer, penance and concern for those in need.”
— Pope John Paul II
“Lent comes to us as a providential time to change course, to recover the ability to react to the reality of evil which always challenges us. Lent is to be lived as a time of conversion, as a time of renewal for individuals and communities, by drawing close to God and by trustfully adhering to the Gospel.” — Pope Francis
“Christ has gained for us not only new dignity in our life on earth, but above all the new dignity of the children of God, called to share eternal life with him. Lent invites us to overcome the temptation of seeing the realities of this world as definitive and to recognize that ‘our homeland is in heaven’ (Philippians 3:20).” — Pope John Paul II
On Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
“Prayer is the raising of the mind to God. We must always remember this.” — Pope John XXIII
“They alone can truly feast, who have first fasted.” — St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
“As long as he who fasts, fasts for God, and he who fasts not, also fasts not for God, devotion is as well satisfied with one as with the other.” — St. Francis de Sales
“The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor.” — St. Basil the Great
On Christ’s Passion
“Behold, Jesus Christ crucified, who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our mediator and advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself; His mercy is moved by the tears of sinners, and He never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with a truly contrite and humbled heart.”
— St. Charles Borromeo
“The Church has always taught that all our penance without Christ’s passion is not worth a pea.” — St. Thomas More
“Love God and Jesus, who was crucified for us, from the depth of your heart, and never let the thought of Him leave your mind.” — St. Clare of Assisi
Sources:
“10 Pope quotes to inspire you this Lent,” Aleteia.
A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints, Dr. Paul Thigpen.
“Behold Jesus Christ Crucified, Who is the Only Foundation of Our Hope,” Catholic Digest.
Message of His Holiness John Paul II for Lent 2004, The Vatican.
Message of John Paul II for Lent 1999, The Vatican.
Pope Francis’ General Audience on Ash Wednesday 2014, The Vatican.
“Quotes from St. Clare of Assisi,” Franciscan Media.
