Across_Borders_Masthead
Thank you for responding to our survey on A-Cross Borders. The majority of you asked to keep it it weekly. But for those of you who prefer monthly we understand if you open it only once a month. :-)

In this issue:
Xaverian Lenten Reflection
Pope Francis' Guide to Lent: What You Should Give Up This Year 
 
Perhaps most notable is the act of fasting. While Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays during the Lenten season, many people, religious or not, take up this increasingly popular discipline during the year. But Pope Francis has asked us to reconsider the heart of this activity this Lenten season. According to Francis, fasting must never become superficial. Learn more.
   XaverianXaverian Family News
Lent
Resuming work on an unfinished masterpiece
 
My own personal experience of Lent has gradually led me to live it like a "potter"! My village, in Sardinia, is famous for a rich and varied craftsmanship, especially working with clay. I remember how I used to spend entire afternoons in the workshop of a potter, carefully watching every move as he worked on the damp and shapeless mass of clay; my favorite moment was from the very beginning as, little by little, a form emerged from the delicate work of his hands and fingers!.. Read more by scrolling down to the English version of Fr. Mario Mula SX's reflection.
gymThe GYM Experience

Discover more Lenten Resources on our US Website. 

Lenten Webinars 
Lent is here!  It is a wonderful time to engage in creative ways to "give up" or "make time for __________."  (Fill in the blank!) 

March 12th on the topic of Youth and Catholic/Muslim Dialogue.  The moderator will be Fr. Carl Chudy SX 
March 26th will offer input to enhance both the preparation and follow up for Mission Service Trips that many parish youth programs offer.  Fr. Rocco Puopolo SX will moderate that webinar.
April 9th (TBA) We are inviting you to suggest a topic which you would want us to facilitate that could aid you in better understanding Mission, Intercultural and Inter-religious dialogue. 

These are meant to offer youth, youth ministers and anyone interested in youth ministry some practical and time-tested ways of engaging in Inter-religious Dialogue and Youth Service Projects and more!!! If you would like to take part in these webinars, email Fr. Rocco Puopolo SX to receive more information as well as indicate the topic you would like us to present for that third webinar.
 ConfortiConforti Institute 
See more Lenten Resources from the Scottish Catholic Education Services.

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. Let's do something about it! Together. Today. Learn from the communities we work with who experience its devastating impacts on how to develop your own solutions to climate change. Learn more.
Download the Lenten Calendar from the Catholic Climate Covenant. 
 
silence
Faith and doubt in 'Silence': a Lenten reflection
Every human being decides what gives life meaning. Each of us shows in our actions how we are answering that question. The making of this choice, which takes place daily, is the essence of what it means to be human. Yet, it's rare for popular culture to confront this core human decision as directly  as it does in Shusaku Endo's novel  Silence  and the new Martin Scorsese movie based on the book. Learn more.
LoveDigital Devotion
For centuries during Lent, Christians have sought to grow closer to God through praying, fasting and giving to the poor. Now they can also mark the 40-day period of penitence that precedes Easter by posting pictures to Instagram, reading a regular reflection in their email or watching a priest answer questions on Facebook Live. Discover more.
Come Pass It On Again!

...and Again and Again and Again!
...and Again and Again and Again!


Xaverian Missionaries
"Making the world one family" with a Passion for Christ; and a Passion for Humanity!

 

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is a collaborative media project of the Xaverian Missionaries of the USA and the United Kingdom.  


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