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Dear Pilgrims, Only a few months ago we gathered to experience the great ADVENTure of Baby Steps Camino®! This week we embark on a new journey through the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. These 40 days help prepare our hearts and minds for Easter. It is a time of prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. This holy season draws us closer to the Lord and away from sin and the many distractions of life. Many Christians give up something for Lent as a type of fasting and sacrifice. Another powerful way to experience Lent is to “do something” that will help you grow in holiness. As you begin your Lenten preparation, consider doing one of the following: • Set aside time each day to read the scriptures, pray, and meditate. Listen carefully to what God is saying to you in the silence. • Decide to forgive one person who has wronged you. If you are unable to easily forgive them, pray each day for the desire to forgive. • Perform one act of kindness each day and offer it as a prayer for someone you know who is suffering, lonely, or struggling with addiction. February Spotlight: Lourdes, France February 11 was The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and the World Day of the Sick. In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared 18 times in a Grotto in France to Bernadette Soubirous, a poor young woman in bad health. The Blessed Mother asked her to drink from a tiny muddy spring near the Grotto which became a pure spring of healing water. Bernadette was also instructed to pray the rosary and do penance for the conversion of souls. Millions of pilgrims visit Lourdes each year asking for healing. Many receive different types of healing, spiritual as well as physical, and experience a great inner peace. Order of Malta Associations from all over the world bring the sick to Lourdes each year. It is a powerful experience for all who journey there. “We are all pilgrims in this life! As we walk this path together, may our “Baby Steps” lead us closer to our Lord, Jesus Christ.” May God Bless You Abundantly, Our Mission: “To Increase the Spiritual Growth of Pilgrims During Advent”
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