March 16, 2025

By now we are well into our Lenten observances: some of us are highly successful and disciplined while others of us struggle and perhaps have backslid a time or two. Whatever our situation, we shouldn't give up just yet. As St. Benedict teaches us: "those who are strong should thank God for providing them with this strength. Those who are week should be grateful that God acknowledges their weaknesses while still giving them the opportunity to do better themselves." The Church herself, even during a time as strict as Lent, places in the month of March some beautiful feast days that offer us a reprieve from our penitential practices. 

The Feast of St. Patrick, celebrated on March 17, is the first of these feasts. While in the Universal Church this feast gives way to the Lenten Season with only a commemoration of our dear saint, all those of Irish nationality make this a grand day indeed. There are special Masses and open houses on this day, as well as the great parade downtown and the wearing of the green. St. Joseph on March 19 is the first feast to supplant the season of Lent on the Church calendar. The Foster-father of Jesus, St. Joseph is the patron saint of workers, fathers, and a happy death because he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary. The entire month of March is dedicated to this great saint. 

On March 21 the Benedictine Order celebrates the Feast of the Passing of Our Holy Father Saint Benedict. When his death was drawing near, Benedict asked to be taken to the oratory where, at the foot of the altar and after having received Jesus in Holy Communion, he went home to his reward along a way of lights to the heavenly kingdom. A great reward for a life well-lived in the service of God and others. A wonderful example for all of us indeed. 

March 25, the Annunciation of our Lord Jesus to Mary by the Archangel Gabriel, is the last of these feasts. We honor Mary for her Yes to God in being the Mother of Our Savior Jesus Christ, God's Son become a human like ourselves in everything but sin. 

Even as we celebrate these feasts as our traditions dictate, let us never underestimate the great power our Lenten observance bring to our lives and of those we encounter daily. They do all of us more good than we can imagine.