One of the best definitions of Conversion is “a change of heart.”

For St. Francis and for Franciscans, Conversion is an important value.

Like many people, I am a fan of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Having read his message for Lent 2024, I would like to share some of the thoughts of Pope Francis and some of mine.

In Lent Pope Francis reminds us that “the Lord draws us once more to himself, whispering words of love to our hearts.”

Pope Francis also offers words of reassurance: “God has not grown weary of us.”

At the same time, he offers us a challenge: We hear “the cry of so many of our oppressed brothers and sisters.” Do we hear that cry? Does it trouble us? Does it move us?

Lent is a “season of conversion.” “The poor in spirit are open and ready: a silent force of good that heals and sustains the world.”

“Slow down, then, and pause!” “In the presence of God, we become brothers and sisters, more sensitive to one another.”

“I invite every Christian community to do just this: to offer its members moments set aside to rethink their lifestyles, times to examine their presence in society and the contribution they make to its betterment.”

“We need courage to think like this.”

And we need hope!

“Faith and charity take hope, this small child, by the hand. They teach her to walk, and at the same time, she leads them forward.”

Pope Francis urges us, this Lent, to pause, to pray and to assist our brothers and sisters in need. This is a call for Conversion – a change of heart.

This will change our own lives and the lives of others.

I wish you a Blessed Lent!

Bro. William Boslet, OSF
Board of Trustees, St. Francis College