Lenten Retreat Preacher opens Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican
Vatican News • • world
Key Points:
- The Vatican's annual Lenten Spiritual Exercises began on February 22 in the Pauline Chapel, attended by Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals, and Dicastery heads, with Bishop Erik Varden as the preacher.
- Bishop Varden, a Trappist and Bishop of Trondheim, Norway, is delivering reflections on the theme “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory,” with two daily meditations scheduled from February 23 to 27.
- The meditations cover topics such as Saint Bernard's dual nature, God's help, freedom, truth, hope, and Christian discipleship, emphasizing a Lenten focus on simplicity and abstinence from distractions.
- Bishop Varden highlights Lent as a time to confront essentials, battle vices, pursue peace,
