A boy at prayer, a vision, bishop in Ireland

Each year during Lent, Christians throughout the world hear a familiar invitation: fast, give alms and pray. Fasting disciplines the body. Almsgiving opens the heart to those in need. But prayer — often the most neglected of the three — remains the soul of the entire spiritual life.

Like Dante and Frost, we find ourselves at a midway point, that of our journey through Lent. Sunday, March 15, marks that midway point on what is traditionally called “Laetare” (Rejoice) Sunday.

African American culture was celebrated Feb. 28, 2026, with the 36th annual Black Awareness Celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Riviera Beach.