God of Compassion,
You alone know the depth of my pain.
You are aware of the people I have loved,
but who refused to love me in return.
You were with me when those I trusted
betrayed my faith in them.
Only you can understand how words and actions
have left me wounded and alone.
Heal me of my hurt.
Allow me to break those chains of pain
that bind me to my offenders.
Through your strength, show me
how to forgive,
how to move forward,
how to live.
Amen.
-100 Prayers for Celebrating the Liturgical Seasons
Reflections by Leo Piguet
The Journey From Ash Wednesday to Easter Kit by Unbound
(Family reflection, prayer, and activity booklet that also addresses the Covid pandemic.)
Abstinence from meat is observed on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Lenten Fridays by
Catholics age 14 and older. Fasting is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by Catholics
who are 18 to 59 years of age. (Fast one full meal; two smaller meals. Abstinence: No meat.)
The faithful are not obligated to observe abstinence from meat on March 19
(Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary).