Latest news with #JohnCarrollUniversity
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Robert Prevost: How the former Bishop of Chicago with deep ties to South America rose to become Pope
The Chicago-born cardinal-bishop, known by friends as Bob, became the 267th pope — the first time in the Church's 2,000-year history that an American has been appointed to lead it. Prevost — who has joint Peruvian citizenship and spent years living and working in the South American country — has chosen to be known as Leo XIV. As Bishop of Chicago, the 69-year-old pontiff once oversaw the largest Archdiocese in North America. Prior to his election, many observers had questioned him as a candidate, due to his relatively young age and inexperience. Some speculated that cardinals would also wish to select a European, following 12 years of tenure by Pope Francis — an Argentinian — and considered it unlikely a pontiff would emerge from the US. The Reverend James Bretzke, a theology professor at John Carroll University in Ohio, told USA Today this week that a diplomat was required to replace Pope Francis, adding: 'America's image in the world simply is too powerful — and to be blunt, ugly.' Vatican insiders had described Prevost as a 'dark horse' candidate who quietly rose to prominence in the days just before the conclave, having been made a cardinal-bishop in February this year. In terms of leading the Catholic Church, he has been described as a 'dignified middle of the road' leader, compared with Francis — who was considered a progressive pontiff — and more conservative alternatives. Significantly, he presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. In early 2025, Francis again demonstrated his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals. He has championed the importance of on-the-ground work. In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, he said: 'One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace, satisfied with a certain social level or a certain level within the church.' He added: 'The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.' However, Prevost has also expressed less progressive stances, including more negative views of the LGBT community. According to The New York Times, in an address to bishops in 2012, Prevost bemoaned the fact that Western media fostered 'sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel,' pointing to the 'homosexual lifestyle' and 'alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children'. While in South America, he told local media that 'the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don't exist'. He has also been criticised by survivors of child abuse. In 1999, Prevost was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians. A year into the role, he allowed Father James Ray, a priest then accused of abusing minors whose ministry had been restricted since 1991, to reside at the Augustinians' St John Stone Friary in Chicago in 2000, despite its proximity to a Catholic elementary school. When Prevost was Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, three victims reported to civil authorities in 2022 after there was no movement on their canonical case against a priest filed through the diocese, according to the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Victims have since claimed Prevost failed to open an investigation, sent inadequate information to Rome, and that the diocese allowed the priest to continue saying mass, attaching photos of the priest saying mass after their complaint. SNAP filed a complaint against Prevost on March 25, 2025. Prior to his ascension to Holy Father, Prevost served as prefect of the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, which handles various administrative and pastoral responsibilities of the Holy See, including vetting nominations for bishops around the world. Prevost was initially appointed a member of the Dicastery in 2020 before later becoming its head. He also served as the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, where nearly 40% of the world's Catholics reside. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Prevost grew up in the city's south suburbs, where he lived in Dolton with his parents and two brothers. Reports claimed he was a fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The record, however, was set straight on Thursday — at least by his brother, who confirmed he had 'always' been a White Sox fan. Growing up, a steady stream of priests passed through his family home, and the youngster reportedly had a positive experience of parish life, serving as an altar boy and attending school in the St Mary of the Assumption parish on the far South Side. Former classmates shared how, even as a boy, he was 'destined' to become pope. 'It was pretty apparent back then that was going to be his route,' former classmate John Doughney told the Chicago Sun-Times. 'For him, I think it was a true calling,' Doughney said. 'And, even as a young teenager, he knew what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go.' Others recalled a 'sense of humour' in class. 'He was kind of a little trickster, too,' Joseph Merigold, who used to sit near Prevost in class, said. 'Used to poke me in the back of the head with a pencil all the time because I was a kidder. So he definitely had a sense of humour that a lot of people wouldn't know because he wasn't really that outgoing.' Merigold added that Prevost was 'the smartest person in the class' and was in 'the No 1 seat,' indicating his classroom performance. Prevost was remembered as a good singer from the choir who 'cared about people' and 'looked for the good in things,' according to Marianne Angarola, who also grew up in Dolton and went to school with him. 'He was the pride and joy of every priest and nun in that school,' Angarola told The Chicago Tribune. Prevost was sent to study canon law at the Angelicum in Rome and was ordained as a priest in the city in 1982. After completing his studies, he was invited to work in the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas, in northwestern Peru, which held strong connections with the US Augustinians. In 1999, he was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians, and two years later, in 2001, he was elected prior general of the worldwide Augustinian order, a post he held for two six-year terms. In 2014, he returned to northwestern Peru, after Francis named him apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese. The Rev Fidel Purisaca Vigil, the communications director for the diocese in Chiclayo, recalled how the Prevost used to rise each day and have breakfast with his fellow priests after saying his prayers. 'No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humour and joy,' Purisaca said in an email to The Associated Press, following Prevost's appointment. After arriving in Rome, Prevost kept a low public profile, but was well known to the men who count. Significantly, he presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. In early 2025, Francis again showed his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals. Prevost is an expert in canon law, a system that functions like a constitution and legal system specifically for the Catholic Church, affording him appeal to the more traditional wings of the Vatican. However, it remains to be seen how he will respond to the actions of US President Donald Trump, who posted his congratulations on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement that Prevost was Pope. 'Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,' Trump wrote. 'I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV.' Earlier this year, Prevost publicly voiced opposition to remarks by Vice President JD Vance on the theological concept of 'ordo amoris.' 'JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others,' Prevost wrote on X. Prevost's latest post on X was a repost of an account criticising the Trump administration's policy on immigrant deportations.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Robert Prevost: ‘Dark horse' American cardinal succeeds Pope Francis to become 267th Pontiff
For the first time in history an American has been elected as Pope. The idea of an American pope has often been dismissed, even by theologians in the United States in the run-up to this week's conclave. So few expected Robert Prevost to walk out on to the balcony at the Vatican as the new head of the Catholic Church. And yet, on Thursday the Chicago-born cardinal-bishop, known by friends as 'Bob,' made history after becoming the 267th pope – the first time in the Church's 2,000 year history that an American has been appointed to lead it. Prevost – who has joint Peruvian citizenship and spent years living and working in the South American country – has chosen to be known as Leo XIV. As Bishop of Chicago, the 69-year-old once oversaw the largest Archdiocese in North America. Prior to his election, many observers had questioned him as a candidate, due to his relatively young age and inexperience. Some speculated that cardinals would also wish to select a European, following 12 years of tenure by Pope Francis – an Argentinian and considered it unlikely a pontiff would emerge from the U.S. The Reverend James Bretzke, a theology professor at John Carroll University in Ohio, told USA Today this week that a diplomat was required to replace Pope Francis, adding: 'America's image in the world simply is too powerful − and to be blunt, ugly.' Vatican insiders had described Prevost as a 'dark horse' candidate who quietly rose to prominence in the days just before the conclave, having been made a cardinal-bishop in February this year. In terms of leading the Catholic Church, he has been described as a 'dignified middle of the road' compared with Francis, who was considered a progressive pontiff, and more conservative alternatives. Significantly, he presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. In early 2025, Francis again showed his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of has championed the importance of on the ground work. In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, he said: 'One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace, satisfied with a certain social level or a certain level within the church. 'The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.' However, Prevost has also expressed less progressive stances, including more negative views of LGBT community. According to The New York Times, in an address to bishops in 2012, Prevost bemoaned the fact that western media fostered 'sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel.' He also claimed that the 'homosexual lifestyle' and 'alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children.' While in South America, he told local media 'the promotion of gender ideology is confusing, because it seeks to create genders that don't exist.' He has also been criticized by survivors of child abuse. In 1999, Prevost was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians. A year into the role, allowed Father James Ray, a priest then accused of abusing minors whose ministry had been restricted since 1991, to reside at the Augustinians' St. John Stone Friary in Chicago in 2000, despite its proximity to a Catholic elementary school. When Prevost was Bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, three victims reported to civil authorities in 2022 after there was no movement on their canonical case filed through the diocese, according to the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Victims have since claimed Prevost failed to open an investigation, sent inadequate information to Rome, and that the diocese allowed the priest to continue saying mass, attaching photos of the priest saying mass after their complaint to their letter. SNAP filed a complaint against Prevost on March 25 2025. Prior to his ascension to Holy Father, Prevost served as prefect of the Vatican's dicastery for bishops, which handles various administrative and pastoral responsibilities of the Holy See, including vetting nominations for bishops around the world. He also served as the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, where nearly 40 per cent of the world's Catholics reside. Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1955, Prevost grew up in the city's south suburbs, where he lived in Dolton with his parents and two brothers. According to reports, he is a fan of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Growing up, a steady stream of priests passed through his family home, and the youngster reportedly had a positive experience of parish life, serving as an altar boy and attending school in the St. Mary of the Assumption parish on the far South Side. Prevost was remembered as a good singer from the choir who 'cared about people' and 'looked for the good in things,' according to Marianne Angarola who also grew up in Dolton and went to school with him. 'He was the pride and joy of every priest and nun in that school,' Angarola told The Chicago Tribune. 'Everybody knew he was special.' Prevost was sent to study canon law at the Angelicum in Rome and was ordained as a priest in the city in 1982. After completing his studies, he was invited to work in the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas, in northwestern Peru, which held strong connections with the U.S. Augustinians. In 1999, he was elected provincial prior of the Midwest Augustinians, and two years later, in 2001, he was elected prior general of the worldwide Augustinian order, a post he held for two six-year terms. In 2014, he returned to northwestern Peru, after Francis named him apostolic administrator of the Chiclayo diocese. The Rev. Fidel Purisaca Vigil, the communications director for the diocese in Chiclayo, recalled how the Prevost used to rise each day and have breakfast with his fellow priests after saying his prayers. 'No matter how many problems he has, he maintains good humor and joy,' Purisaca said in an email to The Associated Press, following Prevost's appointement. Prevost was appointed a member of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2020, and later became its head. After arriving in Rome, Prevost kept a low public profile, but was well known to the men who count. Significantly, he presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms Francis made, when he added three women to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations to forward to the pope. In early 2025, Francis again showed his esteem by appointing Prevost to the most senior rank of cardinals. He has championed the importance of on the ground work. In a 2023 interview with Vatican News, he said: 'One must not give in to the temptation to live isolated, separated in a palace, satisfied with a certain social level or a certain level within the church. 'The authority we have is to serve, to accompany priests, to be pastors and teachers.' Prevost is also an expert in canon law, a system that functions like a constitution and legal system specifically for the Catholic Church, affording him appeal to the more traditional wings of the Vatican. However, it remains to be seen how he will respond to the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, who posted his congratulations on his social media platform Truth Social after the announcement. 'Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,' Trump wrote. 'I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!' Earlier this year, Prevost publicly voiced opposition to remarks by vice president JD Vance, on the theological concept of 'ordo amoris.' 'JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others,' he wrote on X. Prevost's latest post on X was a repost of of an account criticizing the Trump administration's policy on immigrant deportations.
Forbes
18-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Ways To Help Your Kids Avoid Student Loan Debt
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: The headquarters of the Department of Education are shown March 12, 2025 ... More in Washington, DC. The Department of Education announced yesterday that it will reduce its staff by nearly 50 percent, leaving the department with 2,183 workers, a reduction from 4,133 when U.S. President Donald Trump took office for his second term. (Photo by) Despite the headlines surrounding the Department of Education, upwards of $90 billion in new student loans will be issued this fall to families attending college. At the same time, there's a lot of uncertainty around what repayment plans and loan forgiveness options will be around when these kids graduate. The SAVE income-driven repayment plan that gave so many borrowers so much hope is essentially dead as well, after the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction blocking its implementation. All the while, costs for higher education and our collective national student loan debt (currently somewhere between $1.6 and $1.7 trillion or more) continue to spiral out of control. These are just some of the reasons to wonder if there's any way you can help your dependents avoid student loans altogether, but there's plenty more. This includes the fact that a decent percentage of college degrees have essentially no return on investment (ROI), or even a negative ROI. How can you help your kids avoid student loans, soul-crushing debt, and the decades of turmoil that are bound to come with it at this point? These tips from experts can help. Claudia Wenzel, who serves as Assistant Vice President of Enrollment & Financial Services at John Carroll University, says the best way to prepare for a child's college education is to start planning and saving early. "Consider creating a 529 savings plan, which allows you to invest tax-free for education expenses," she says. "Even a small amount each month will add up and help you feel prepared for when your child's college search process begins.' That said, you'll want to make sure the money you move to a 529 savings plan is actually invested for long-term growth. Also check whether any tax advantages apply in your state since they might give you even more reason to put some money away. In the state of Indiana, for example, taxpayers get a 20% state tax credit on up to $7,500 contributed to a 529 plan (or plans) each year. That's an instant 20% return on your money, and $1,500 back from the state when you file taxes annually if you max it out. While students should consider a range of college majors that suit their personality and future career goals, finding the right school is just as important. And since cost is a consideration, the right school doesn't have to be (and shouldn't be) the most expensive one. This is especially true if a student wants to pursue a non-specialized degree that's offered at a range of high-quality, affordable schools. Wealth advisor Jack Wang of Innovative Wealth Management says that, first and foremost, parents should help students do a deep dive into investigating colleges instead of just focusing on the "name" or ranking. "There are great colleges that are not brand names but cost a ton less," he says. College consultant Danilo Umali of Game Theory College Planners also says families should do their best to map out the child's potential career path before picking a school, even though this may not make sense until late in their sophomore year of high school or their junior year. "Part of minimizing your cost and need for loans is making sure your student doesn't jump from college to college chasing their major every time they change their mind," says Umali. "Find schools with a wide array of majors that match your student's interests." Dr. Peter C. Earle of the American Institute for Economic Research says that "fostering financial literacy from a young age" can be immensely helpful when it comes to avoiding crushing student debt. This is because finance is generally not taught in schools and can help kids make informed decisions about college costs, budgets, and tradeoffs they may need to make. Helping kids understand the financial impacts of their decisions can also help them choose wisely when it comes to money-saving measures they can participate in, such as pursuing advanced placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, or community college credits. Earle says all of these can decrease the total cost of credits one may have to take at their university of choice. How can you teach your kids about money? Start with financial literacy books that can help you learn with your kids, talking about how debt works, and staying on top of the news regarding average student loan debt. You can even just explain to your kids that the average student loan debt is currently around $28,950 per borrower, and that a large percentage owe even more than that. From there, you can talk about how that leads to monthly payments that can last for years or even decades, and how those payments might prevent them from achieving other financial goals. William Gogolak, Assistant Teaching Professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College, says that students who work during school can graduate with better financial outcomes over all. As a result, parents should encourage their students to look for internships or take on jobs around the university. "Universities often need students to fill roles in various campus buildings, and these jobs can help cover basic expenses while in school," he says. 'Plus, they offer a great opportunity to meet new people and build a network.' If not on-campus, finding a job off-campus can also help cover regular living expenses, books, and supplies for school. Basically any money the student can earn can help reduce the amount of money they borrow, so nothing should be off the table when it comes to working at least part-time during college. James Lewis of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) says that something non-negotiable is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year of college. While filling out the FAFSA is the only way to qualify for federal student loans, it can also unlock various types of financial aid that doesn't need to be paid back. In addition to financial aid that can be accessed through the FAFSA, Lewis says there are 1.7 million private scholarships and fellowships available to students nationally with a total value of more than $7.4 billion. "Don't assume you are not eligible," he says. 'Countless awards are available for athletics, STEM & STEAM, community service, music, and those from government and large corporations.' Lewis also points to some off-the-beaten track scholarships that can help with college and may be easier to qualify for. For example, Tall Clubs International offers scholarships to male and female students who are considerably taller than their peers. Lewis says to research all the available scholarships you can, and to apply early and often since doing so increases your chances of bridging the gap between what you owe and what you can afford.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
James Gerard Nagle, Boardman, Ohio
BOARDMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Heaven gained a true angel when James 'Jim' G. Nagle died on Friday, March 21, 2025. James was born July 12, 1922, in Girard, to Dr. Joseph and Margaret (McCloskey) Nagle, a nurse. Find obituaries from your high school He attended Ursuline High School and then John Carroll University until he enlisted in the Navy during World War II, where he earned the rank of Pharmacist First Mate serving in medical supplies in the Philippines and New Guinea. While serving in the Pacific, he was stationed in the same port where the USS Mount Hood ammunition ship exploded, killing 432. Jim had snuck out to visit his best friend, Tom Manche, on a nearby island and was late returning to base, which saved his life. The explosion knocked him unconscious and while it contributed to his hearing loss, it also made him realize that he was spared for a reason, and that was to serve others. After he was discharged in 1946, Jim went back to college, attending Hiram College for a degree in education. In 1948, he started teaching science at Bloomfield schools. He taught at Columbia Station from 1952 until 1966. In 1965, he reconnected with Lenore McLaughlin Kerrigan, who he had dated in high school and had lost her young husband. When they married, he happily gave up his summers of camping in Canada to help raise her six children. He moved to Youngstown and started teaching at Lowellville schools and helped coach girls and boys track and junior high basketball. To the question on the Lowellville job application as to why he was applying for the job, he said he had 'married a widow with six children and wanted them to stay in their original home.' He retired from Lowellville in 1982 after 16 years and a total of 34 years serving as an educator. Over the years, he has received cards and letters from students expressing gratitude for sparking a love of science in their lives. He loved that so many of the family followed his footsteps into education. Jim credited his longevity of 102 years young to a youth filled with outdoor adventures, fresh air and exercise, especially long-distance swimming. As an adult, he enjoyed having a fishing pole in his hand, looking for the spot where they were hitting or with one of his father's persimmon golf clubs, chasing birdies. A modest and humble man, Jim focused his attention on finding gratitude and appreciation in the simplest things. He cherished every sunset and embraced every new day. Generous to a fault, he often gave total strangers his last nickel. He took a summer job at a steel mill but after he received the first paycheck, he wanted to quit because he knew there were others who needed the money more. He didn't, because he had committed to the summer, but graciously did not accept the job any subsequent summers. At a celebration of his 100th birthday, Lowellville Mayor Jim Ludiciani, a former student, presented Jim with a proclamation for his 'outstanding service and citizenship.' He was preceded in death by his wife, Lenore; his parents; brothers, Tom and Joe and their wives, Joyce and JoAnn and his newborn twin baby brothers, Gene and Jerry. He is survived by his stepchildren, Pat (Betsy) Kerrigan, Nancy Kerrigan, Kitty (Rich) King, Maureen Kerrigan, Tom (Di) Kerrigan and Betty (Bob) Winland. Beloved Poppa's waffles will be missed by his 11 grandchildren, Brigid Kennedy, Meg Goddard and Kevin Kerrigan, Christopher, Patrick and Brendan King, KC and Michael Kerrigan and Teresa Zenitsky, Cory and Danny Winland; 19 great-grandchildren, Eric, Grace, Sara, Baree, Kate, Emma, Brady, Hannah, Will, Ellie, Annie, Wells, Augie, Rory, Nora, Eli, Mara, Cecilia and Callum and three great-greats, Gio, Emi and Ava. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Betty McLaughlin, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. He loved you all. The family would like to thank all our Pinetree neighbors, especially Al and Kelley Cervello, who have treated Jim and Nancy like family through this difficult time. Hospice of the Valley has shown kindness and compassion, in particular Brea and Lindsey and Suzanne Tucci. Many thanks to The Inn at Old Saybrook for their loving care. Betsy Johnquest and Jen Borawiec, thank you for all your assistance. We could not even begin to thank our sister, Nancy, enough for the years of love and devotion that she has dedicated to making the end of Jim's life enjoyable and fulfilling. Calling hours will be Noon – 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, 3701 Starr Centre Drive, Canfield. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 p.m. at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Avenue, Youngstown. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider St. Dominic Catholic Parish, 77 E. Lucius Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44507 or Ursuline Sisters Mission, 4280 Shields Road, Canfield, OH 44406. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Gerard Nagle, please visit our flower 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Christians use Hallow app's Pray40 challenge among other traditional ways to grow closer to God as Lent begins
Christians are increasingly using technology to grow closer to God, including during the Lenten season, in addition to traditional methods of prayer. Lent, which begins annually on Ash Wednesday, is a time of prayer and sacrifice that encourages Christians to grow closer to God while preparing for Easter. The season is remembered by millions all over the world, who often strive to grow in their relationship with God by doing acts of service, fasting and praying for those in need. One way many Christians choose to grow closer to God during Lent is by using technology and prayer apps like Hallow to encourage them in prayer while on-the-go. Hallow CEO Alex Jones told Fox News Digital that the company's goal is to help Christians build a "daily habit of prayer" that works best for them wherever they are in their lives. He noted the app recently crossed into about 22 million downloads. Pope Francis Believes 'Papacy Is For Life,' Says Historian-biographer "For us, it's just about how can we take five, 10 minutes in the morning or at night and just start and close our day away from the noise, finding some peace and spending some time with Jesus?" Jones said. Read On The Fox News App This year, Hallow is bringing back its Pray40 challenge that encourages users to set aside time each day to spend with God by offering scripture reflection, opportunities to hear encouraging stories, guided prayer, music and meditation. The app features prominent figures like Gwen Stefani, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jonathan Roumie and Mark Wahlberg. Jones explained that while sometimes technology can be used as a distraction, it can also be used for good to bring people closer to God, and the prayer app can be used to help Christians stick to a habit of prayer. "This question of how do you share about Jesus with people in today's world — but that question, really, it comes down to reaching out to people where they are, and whether we like it or not, where people are today is in their phones. So, how do we reach out to them? We have to try to get them to stop scrolling in some feed for half a second, and we have to use that as an opportunity to try to invite them to take five, 10 minutes in silence and to grow deeper in relationship with the Lord." Rev. James T. Bretzke, S.J., a professor of theology at John Carroll University, told Fox News Digital that historically, Lent grew from a "preparation period" that adult converts would observe before being received into the Church on Holy Saturday. "As time went on, this practice of spiritual renovation came to be recommended for all the baptized members of the Church," he explained. "'What are you giving up for Lent?' is a question most of us of a certain generation asked and answered every year," Bretzke said. "The answers might range from 'chocolate,' to 'alcohol' with lots of other possibilities in between. Some others would take the opposite tack and name something they would plan on doing during Lent — like going to Mass an extra day or two, offering some special prayers, doing some work of charity and the like… Nowadays there has been a greater stress on 'positive' works of charity to counter what Pope Francis has often called the 'globalization of indifference.' Pope Francis has also suggested we 'give up' a number of uncharitable habits that hurt ourselves and others and put more faith and hope in God." No matter what method of prayer Christians choose to follow during Lent, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to "journey together in hope" this Lenten season and to "trust in God and his great promise of eternal life." "Sisters and brothers, thanks to God's love in Jesus Christ, we are sustained in the hope that does not disappoint ( 5:5)," Pope Francis wrote in his message for Lent 2025. "Hope is the 'sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.' It moves the Church to pray for 'everyone to be saved' (1 Tim2:4) and to look forward to her being united with Christ, her bridegroom, in the glory of heaven."Original article source: Christians use Hallow app's Pray40 challenge among other traditional ways to grow closer to God as Lent begins
