Seeds of hope planted during Lenten reflection

Apr 25, 2025

PUCHONG: At the commencement of the season of Lent, faithful of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and neighbouring parishes gathered for a special Lenten reflection led by Sr Margarete Sta Maria, a Canossian Sister and theology expert.

The event, held under the theme Journeying in Living Hope Towards Easter, drew 90 parishioners seeking spiritual renewal during the sacred 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Sr Margarete emphasised that Lent is a time for Catholics to repent, reflect, and deepen their relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. She encouraged participants to confront personal sins, failures, and obstacles in order to become more open to God’s grace and better able to serve others.

“Think of our life like soil,” she said during the reflection. “What does soil need to grow? Similarly, what obstacles block my heart from Jesus?”

Drawing on her role as director of API and her extensive theological background, Sr Margarete spoke passionately about the importance of silent prayer, discipline, and charitable acts as transformative Lenten practices. “Faith without action is nothing,” she reminded the congregation, urging them to live out their faith through good works, especially by praying for catechumens preparing for baptism.

She also addressed themes from the Heart of Synodality, calling for a united Church journeying together as a family of God. Highlighting the Witness of Hope, she spoke of the need to be beacons of light for others, offering strength and encouragement amid life’s trials.

“Hope does not deny suffering,” she said, “but it gives us the courage to believe in a future shaped by justice, peace, and love. Christ’s suffering is not the end — it is the beginning of resurrection.”

Parishioners were left with a renewed sense of purpose and spiritual direction, inspired to reflect more deeply and act more compassionately in preparation for the celebration of Easter. --Jennifer L. Anugraham