FORTY HOURS IS UPON US!

This weekend marks the 3rd weekend of Lent - the weekend of our annual 40 Hours Devotion.

A Bit of History
The 40 Hours Devotion is a deeply rooted tradition stretching back to the 16th-century. The 40 hours of Eucharistic Adoration corresponds to the 40 hours Christ’s body lay in the Tomb, but the number 40 carries deep significance throughout all of Sacred Scripture. It is a number that denotes both penance and preparation, a time of laying aside and leaning in, so that God might open us to something new and glorious.

We see this pattern in the Israelites, who wandered 40 years in the desert in penance before at last being prepared to receive the Promised Land. We see it in our Lord Himself, who fasted and was tempted for 40 days in the desert before His victorious confrontation with Satan and the beginning of his public ministry. There is a pattern here, and particularly in the Lenten Season, we are invited to step into it.

An Invitation
Whether or not it has already been in your plans, please consider carving out time this weekend to come and adore Him — to simply be with Him — between 7pm on Friday and 2pm on Sunday. Please join me in praying for our whole community, that we may grow more and more in unity under God’s providential guidance in all that is to come. If you are able, please especially join us for the Solemn Closing of the 40 Hours at 2:00 PM on Sunday.

A Word on Fr. Howe
I am thinking of Fr. Howe in these days, as he has been so central to these sacred liturgical celebrations. I spoke with him recently and am pleased to share that he is doing quite well. His absence is felt, yet as his sabbatical continues, we look forward to his return in July! May God bless us all in these rich days of adoration, praise, and petition before Our Lord.

In the Heart of Jesus,
Fr Rumpza