The Lenten Edition.

Something I learned about myself:

I’ve never given Lent enough credit. I don’t know if being away from home is what has given me such a new perspective on everything, but for the first time I hope and pray that I am seeing it for what it really is, a time to unite with Christ in His suffering and grow closer to Him. I had such a wonderful Ash Wednesday, starting with early mass, continued on with a Papal Audience with the Holy Father and LOTS of weird looks from Italians (who apparently don’t receive ashes on their forehead. . .) Since I am the crazy foreigner, it was the obvious thing for them to do to take pictures of me and all stare blankly. Clearly the point of this Lenten season is not for me to complain about staring Italians (that is a post for another day), this entire day has been an opportunity for me to reflect on everything that has been given to me, and ways that I can humble myself and unite with Christ and His Church during this Lenten season with a better attitude. (Bright side? Since there is no diet coke here, no need for me to give it up  J).

The Best Thing That I Ate:

More like what I WILL eat. I have been so lucky, this last week my friend from school, Rebecca was here with her family for Cardinal Dolan’s consistory. For those of you who have spoken with me over the last few weeks, you know that every other word that comes out of my mouth is ‘peanut butter’. It just isn’t the same here, BUT because Rebecca is a wonderful and caring person, she dealt with my insanity and brought me goodies alllll the way from Minnesota. Not only was it such a blessing to see her, but I now have my very own taste of America! But, since it is Ash Wednesday and it is a day of fasting, I am going to wait until tomorrow. Just don’t be surprised if I sleep with peanut butter under my pillow. Completely normal. 

What do you mean it's weird to take pictures with food in photobooth. . .?
P.S. Note the ashes. . .

An Adventure I Went On:

Station Churches! I have decided that as a part of my Lenten obligation I am going to attend as many of the ‘Station Churches’ masses that are offered. This is a tradition that was started in Rome in the earlier centuries, and for English speakers there is mass offered every day at 7 am. Although it is a daunting thought waking up early and travelling to a different part of the city each day for mass, I know that it will be good for me on every level. The Ash Wednesday mass was beautiful, and superficially I was pleased as punch because I received the best ashes I’ve ever gotten. . .

The Craziest/Most Interesting Thing That I Saw:

Cardinal Dolan. I could just leave it at that because this man is such a rockstar (examples here and here). This man has been a huge blessing to Catholics across the country as we are fighting to defend religious liberty, and he has consistently reminded me what it means to remain steadfast in my beliefs as young Catholic woman.  So to be able to attend his first mass as a Cardinal was an amazing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He said a beautiful and reverend mass, while maintaining more joy than I have ever seen encapsulated in one person. He humbly said that he would casually be waiting outside to talk to people so obviously Erin and I sought him out. What followed was one of the most positive and loving conversations I have ever had with someone complete with a hug. God is so good.  

Look at this joy that he radiates! 

I can think of few moments that were happier than this.