The preacher of the Pontifical Household, Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini, will offer this month the traditional Lenten meditations addressed to the Pope and the Roman Curia. The reflections will be inspired by the spiritual experience of Saint Francis of Assisi and his testimony of conversion to the Gospel.
Four meditations during Lent
According to Vatican News, the meditations will take place on Fridays from March 6 to 27 at 9:00 a.m. (Rome time) in the Paul VI Hall. They will feature a cycle of reflections with the central theme of Saint Paul’s phrase in the Second Letter to the Corinthians: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). Under this motto, Father Pasolini will address conversion to the Gospel in the light of Saint Francis of Assisi’s experience.
The meditations are directed to the Pope, cardinals, bishops, prelates of the Pontifical Family, members of the Roman Curia, religious superiors, and seminarians, although other interested persons may also attend.
Evangelical conversion inspired by Saint Francis
In the invitation sent to the participants, the preacher of the Pontifical Household explains that this cycle of reflections is inscribed in the context of the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. Furthermore, he points out that this anniversary offers an opportunity to deepen the gift received during the Jubilee of Hope and to allow that time of grace to mature into an authentic conversion to the Gospel.
As Pasolini explains, the spiritual experience of the saint of Assisi remains a luminous testimony of a new humanity born from the encounter with Christ.
The inner journey of the Little Poor Man of Assisi
The preacher emphasizes that the life of Saint Francis should not be understood simply as an external model to imitate, but as an inner journey that leads to rediscovering the Gospel.
That spiritual itinerary begins with concrete gestures such as embracing lepers and develops in a life marked by fraternity, evangelical poverty, and the proclamation of the Kingdom.
In that process, Francis learns to live even trials with joy, to the point of welcoming death as a “sister,” fully trusting in God’s fidelity.
The program of the Lenten meditations
The first meditation, on March 6, will be dedicated to the theme of conversion and following Christ on the path of humility. On March 13, fraternity will be addressed, understood as grace and responsibility within Christian life.
The third meditation, on March 20, will deal with the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to every creature, while the final reflection, on March 27, will focus on the freedom of the children of God, perfect joy, and the acceptance of death as a sister.
The objective of these meditations, affirms the Vatican media outlet, is to offer a space for listening and spiritual discernment that helps rediscover the desire to live the Gospel and a new life in the Spirit.