Catholic dad Ryan Langr writes: What to give up for Lent is one of the hardest decisions I have to make all year (yes, I’m spoiled). One of the reasons I fret so much about it is that I wonder how meaningful or how difficult the penance would actually be. While a Lenten penance is really only required to change your heart, having something that can affect others or the world is a definite bonus (and often much harder). One of my biggest concerns lately has been global warming and the state of our environment, and indeed Pope Francis thinks this is a huge issue as well. So we recycle, drive fuel-efficient cars, and try not to use so much heat or AC. So this Lent, if you want some extreme fasting and penance with an eco-friendly bonus, check out the following five suggestions about what to give up for Lent. They may be hard, but they’re to change your heart . . . and model care for God’s creation for your kids! You’ll find ideas online.
5 Lent fasts that benefit God’s creation
Saint Frances of Rome • Saint stories
Have you ever been asked to do something you didn’t want to do? That’s what happened to St. Frances of Rome. She wanted to be a nun, but her father wanted her to get married. Could she find a way to serve God anyway?
The contradictions of sacrifice
Sacrifice is a weird concept. This Lenten season, let’s all try to live with sacrifice’s messy and contradictory rules: Give until it hurts. Give yourself credit. Give it up to God.
St. John of God
John of God (d. 1550) was founder of the Order of Charity for the Service of the Sick, also called the Brothers Hospitallers, and patron of the sick and hospitals. […]
The story of Saints Perpetua and Felicity
Sts. Perpetua and Felicity were two martyrs from the early Church who died in A.D. 203 in Carthage, today known as Tunis, Tunisia. Together with other companions, they were imprisoned […]
