Cardinal Cantalamessa gives fifth Lenten sermon

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., Preacher of the Papal Household, gave his fifth sermon for Lent 2023.

His sermon, which focused on the Church taking courage in Christ, was given in the Vatican on Friday morning to the Roman Curia.

Cardinal Cantalamessa centred his remarks on the need to take courage as the Holy Spirit leads their steps, and reminded his listeners how Jesus is never absent and that the Holy Spirit is always a great source of energy.

The Franciscan Cardinal reassured those before him that even at the most dramatic and stormy times, Jesus accompanies them.

However, he observed, that "part of the weakness of our evangelization and our action" in the world is due to "division and mutual struggle between Christians."

Take courage

Cardinal Cantalamessa underscored how Jesus calls His Church "to embrace all believers in Him and all the baptized."

A Hail Mary for Pope Francis

The Holy Father was not present as he continues to recover in Rome's Gemelli hospital from a respiratory infection.

According to statements from the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, the Pope's clinical situation is improving as he continues his treatments, and he is very touched by all the messages and prayers for his recovery.

At the beginning of the Lenten Sermon, they prayed together for Pope Francis and his continued recovery, praying a Hail Mary together.

All of Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa's Lenten sermons can be found on Cardinal Cantalamessa's website.