Virtus is Latin for excellence, valor, moral strength and courage—the same characteristics needed for caring adults who interact with children and protect them from abuse

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.