In this third meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Fr. Donncha Ó hAodha reflects on Jesus’ words from the Cross: “Woman, behold your son.” (…) “Behold your mother.” In this tender exchange, Christ entrusts his Mother to the beloved disciple, and to each of us, revealingthe depth of his love and the gift of Mary’s maternal closeness in our lives.

Fr. Ó hAodha invites us this Lent to stand at the foot of the Cross with Our Lady, to receive her confidently as Our Mother, and to learn how to remain close to Jesus in his Passion from her quiet, faithful presence.

PAUSE & REFLECT

• What worries and hesitations can I give to Our Lady and entrust them to her intercession?
• In what ways do I shield my heart, keeping it closed off from God or from my loved ones who deserve to find my heart open like Our Lady?
• What temptations am I battling in my life that I should be seeking out divine help and intercession?

LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL

Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop.

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In this second meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Msgr. Martin Schlag reflects on Jesus’ promise to the Good Thief: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise," which reveals the power and repentance and depth of God's mercy.

Msgr. Schlag encourages us to examine our hearts this Lent, ask for the grace of sincere conversion, and place our trust in the saving love of Christ.

PAUSE & REFLECT

• What obstacles do I need to remove to more fully allow the work of the Holy Spirit to mold me into the image of Christ?
• Do I approach my work with an optimistic Christian outlook?
• As I look back on my unique journey with Our Lord, for what moments can I give thanks for when he has made his presence most known to me?

LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL

Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop.

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In this first meditation of our Lenten series on the Seven Last Words of Christ, Msgr. Fred Dolan reflects on Jesus’ prayer from the Cross: “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” These words, spoken amid suffering, awaken us to the reality of sin and the mercy Christ offers to us even in our blindness.

This meditation invites us to approach Lent with seriousness and sincerity, asking for the grace of true contrition and a deeper awareness of God’s point of view.

PAUSE & REFLECT

• How do I make efforts to seek out and accept the mercy of Our Lord through prayer and the sacrament of Penance?
• How can I deepen my appreciation of the redemptive value of my work—today and throughout the Lenten season?
• As I begin this season of Lent, what relationships in my life—family, work, or social—requires more effort on my part, particularly to better communicate?

LENT 2026 DEVOTIONAL

Download our free PDF devotional, The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections & Prayers from St. Josemaria Escriva, available in our online shop.

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In this meditation marking the 20th anniversary of the St. Josemaría Institute, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on the life, spirituality and enduring influence of St. Josemaria Escriva. Fr. Peter explains how St. Josemaria’s vision places the lay faithful at the center of evangelization and reminds us that, "Sanctity is not reserved for a privileged few. All the ways of the earth, every state in life, every profession, every honest task can be divine” (Conversations, no. 26).

Listen to reflect on:

• The lasting fruit of St. Josemaría’s mission
• The universal call to holiness
• The mission of the laity in today’s world
• Evangelization through friendship and daily life
• Confidence in God’s grace at work through ordinary means
• The responsibility that comes with receiving a gift

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In this meditation, Fr. Peter Armenio reflects on Christ’s enduring call to conversion, particularly as we prepare for the penitential season of Lent. Drawing inspiration from the spiritual aspiration of St. Josemaria, “nunc coepi — now I begin,” Fr. Peter reminds us that the Christian life advances through repeated efforts, perseverance in our struggles, and reliance on grace.

Listen now to reflect on:

• Conversion as an ongoing process, not a one-time event
• The role of prayer, penance, and charity in encountering Christ
• Why holiness grows through “little conversions”
• Beginning again with hope rather than discouragement
• Trusting grace more than personal success

This meditation is an excerpt from “Come and See”: A Spiritual Retreat. This 5-part audio retreat invites us during the season of Lent to examine our heart, confront the obstacles that impede our relationship with Christ, and renew our desire for conversion. Access the retreat online at www.stjosemaria.org.

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In this meditation, Fr. Leo Austin explores what it means to form and mentor others in the image of Christ. He explains that true formation requires confidence in God’s grace and a willingness to take risks for the sake of growth. By fostering freedom rather than dependence, we help souls mature into responsible disciples capable of generous love and mission.

Listen now to reflect on:
• How Christ formed his disciples
• Why freedom is necessary for mission
• Trust as an act of faith in God’s work
• Letting go of control for the sake of growth
• Becoming mentors who lead others to God

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In this meditation, Msgr. Fred Dolan invites us to rediscover the sacredness woven into every human life, reminding us that each life is meant to be approached with awe, gratitude, and love. Through Scripture and personal anecdotes, Msgr. Dolan encourages us to see others through the eyes of God as precious and beloved.

Listen now to reflect on:
• Life as a sacred mystery
• The dignity present in every person
• Reverence as the beginning of love
• Gratitude for the gift of existence
• Responding to life with compassion and care

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In this meditation, Fr. Marty Miller helps us examine the subtle ways pessimism can take root in the heart, slowly dulling our confidence in God’s will and our own vocation. Fr. Mary illustrates how hope restores clarity, freedom, and peace, and invites us to continually place our trust in God who works through each unique circumstance.

Listen now to reflect on:
• The spiritual dangers of pessimism
• How hope reshapes our vision and expectations
• Trusting God’s grace amid uncertainty
• The call to live our vocation with confidence
• Letting Christ illuminate the path forward

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