Return to me with your whole heart.

Ash Wednesday is March 5. Across the world, Christians begin their observance of the 40-day Lenten season, a time when we are called to turn back to the Lord in a spirit of repentance, with a sincere desire to be transformed through God’s mercy. It is fitting to ask Our Lady to help us along the path. She, Our Blessed Mother, knows our weaknesses better than any human being. She desires to guide us along every step of our spiritual way.

AMM offers a variety of ways to assist you during your Lenten journey:

• —Send your special intentions to be placed near Mary’s Shrine Altar
• —Request a Votive Light to burn
• —Pray this Ash Wednesday prayer
• —Pray this prayer for Lent each day
• —Request Easter Cards to send to loved ones

Through our Lenten acts of sacrifice, prayer, and charitable works, may Mary, Our Mother, obtain for us the graces we need to live more fully in the light of Christ, who saves us through his holy passion, death, and resurrection.

“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.” Psalm 51:12-13