Your Lenten journey begins today with these words from the prophet Joel, “Return to me, with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning.” Are you ready? This sojourn will take us through the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. As you receive ashes today, remember that you belong to God and He is calling each of us back from the desolate places we may have wandered.
Take heart! As Catholics, we are a pilgrim people with a destination in heaven, and there is no better way to begin this particular pilgrimage than with a good confession. Please know that your friends at NASPA will be with you the entire Lenten season, providing spiritual and fraternal support. We believe our nation’s shrines are among the richest treasures we have to encourage you on this journey. We invite you to explore some of these awe-inspiring beacons of faith with us online in the coming weeks, and we encourage you to plan an in-person visit soon.
We begin our arduous Lenten pilgrimage in the Catalina Mountains at the Mary Undoer of Knots Shrine. This is a Byzantine Catholic Shrine located more than 8 thousand feet above Tucson, Arizona. There you will find a “Pilgrim’s Kit,” including prayer and instruction on knot removal. Knots are those difficult and complicated situations in our lives. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, rock formations, and wildlife, you are invited to entrust your knots to the Blessed Mother, who can help you untie them.
As we embark on this expedition together, your friends at NASPA wish to remind you that whatever complicated situation in which you find yourself, the Blessed Mother is there to help guide you to Christ this Lent and always.