By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-03-06 23:07:46 | Updated at 2025-03-08 23:39:38
2 days ago
CV NEWS FEED // Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila of Denver announced March 5 a nine-year novena leading up to the 2033 Jubilee of Our Salvation, which marks 2,000 years since Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
In his Lenten pastoral letter titled “Standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross,” Archbishop Aquila encouraged the faithful to embark on this long-term spiritual journey in preparation for this historic anniversary.
“As Mary was present with Jesus throughout his passion, she will guide us in meditating upon these mysteries and participating in Jesus’ salvific mission on the cross,” the Archbishop wrote.
The pastoral note reflects on the seven last words of Jesus on the Cross while inviting the faithful to meditate on Mary’s presence and role at Calvary.
As part of the initiative, the Archdiocese unveiled a new icon at its pastoral center. The piece, titled “Mary at the Foot of the Cross,” was written by local artist Elizabeth Zelasko.
My Pastoral Note for #lent2025. May we stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross and learn from Jesus’ 7 last words as we meditate on them with Mary. +sja https://t.co/L0A6XFuAgm
— Archbishop Aquila (@ArchbishopDen) March 5, 2025Archbishop Aquila outlined several ways for Catholics to participate in the nine-year novena leading up to the 2033 Jubilee. He encouraged priests to offer special Masses to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Foot of the Cross for the reparation of sins, as well as Masses for the Forgiveness of Sin from the Roman Missal.
The lay faithful can take part by attending these special Masses at their parish, praying the Chaplet of the Holy Face of Jesus, and meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary on Tuesdays and Fridays. Archbishop Aquila also encouraged the faithful to “make a daily conscious offering of every good deed to the honor and glory of the Father out of charity.”
“As we move towards the 2,000-year anniversary, let us keep these mysteries before us and keep our eyes fixed on the grace available through Mary at the foot of the Cross,” Archbishop Aquila wrote. “As she kept her gaze fixed on Jesus, so too are we called to ‘keep our eyes fixed on Jesus’ (Heb 12:2). My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray that we invoke Mary daily this Lent and throughout these years, preparing for the Jubilee in 2033.”
>> Scott Hahn reflects on the significance of the number 7 for Lent <<
