Relationships are so important in our lives because it is in relationship with another that we come to know ourselves, our gifts and our potential for happiness. Perhaps the most important relationship we have is between ourselves and God, though we often lack the patience to nurture that relationship and to see it flower.

Saint Paul of the Cross, the founder of the Passionists, had a unique relationship with God through Christ's passion that is both inspiring and comforting. Through his writings, we can enter into Lent to begin the process of coming closer to God through the practice of our faith. In doing so, we bring our lives into focus, we concentrate on what really matters in our heart and thus we find our place of peace and fulfillment.

Let's begin Lent together on Ash Wednesday with some reflections on our relationship to God through the life of St. Paul of the Cross and, in turn, our relationships with others in our lives. May this time of reflection bring us to a new place on the spiritual journey that leads us to life in Christ.

The day program is 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. and will include lunch, presentation, dialogue, Reconciliation and Eucharist.