March 5, 2025

Our theme for this month’s EMBERS, as we begin the Season of Lent (March 5), is Repent and Believe the Gospel.

What does it mean to repent, which is a term primarily used in the New Testament? The Hebrew word is “shuv” and the Greek word is “metanoeó” denoting “a profound change of mind and heart, often associated with turning away from sin and turning towards God. It involves a recognition of wrongdoing, a sincere regret or remorse, and a commitment to change one’s behavior and align with God’s will. This concept is central to the Christian message of salvation and is often linked with faith and conversion.” It is a time to reflect on both our personal and professional lives and consider what we should renounce during Lent. To what are we most attached – our cell phones, watching news or sports, electronics, coffee, alcohol, eating out, hot showers? Let’s make this a truly sacrificial Lent. 

The next CMA ZOOM Prayer Group is tomorrow, Sat. March 8 at 2:00 PM EST. Here is the link. Come pray with us!

There will be a Catholic Men Physicians’ Retreat May 1 – 4, 2025 at the beautiful Bethany Retreat House outside of Nashville. The topic is Growing in a Mature Prayer Life with Father Christopher Kubat as retreat master. Register here. Any questions, please contact Dr. Rich Florentine at rich_florentine@yahoo.com. 

The 13th Annual Sacred Liturgy Conference will take place June 24 – 27 with the theme “Manna From Heaven: The Bread of Life in the Eucharist”, hosted by the Dominican Friars of the Western Province in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. For more information click here. 

St. John of God (March 8) was born in Portugal in 1495 and was kidnapped from his Catholic parents at the age of eight. He grew up in very rough circumstances but underwent a dramatic conversion at age 40 and started a hospital where he cared for the sick and those rejected by society. He died in 1550 after rescuing someone from a frozen river. He is the patron saint of Catholic hospitals, the sick and booksellers. He often said, “Labour without intermission to do all the good works in your power, whilst time is allowed you.” 

We honor St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 19. He was declared patron and protector of the Universal Church in 1870 by Pope Pius IX. His mission was “to legally insert Jesus Christ into the line of David from whom, according to the prophets, the Messiah would be born, and to act as his father and guardian” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy). We strongly recommend two important books – Go to Joseph by Fr. Richard W. Gilsdorf and Consecration to St. Joseph by Donald Calloway, MIC. 

Four days after St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), a little-known 5th century Irish warrior-turned-saint, St. Enda of Aran (March 21) is honored. Converted by his sister, St. Fanchea, he was ordained in Rome and is considered the founder of Irish monasticism. 

The artwork this month is entitled The Annunciation by Henry Ossawa Tanner and hangs in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Annunciation of the Lord (March 25) marks the pivotal moment in history when the Blessed Virgin Mary said “yes” to God’s request to bear His Son, marking the beginning of our redemption. 

Lastly, Fr. Walter Ciszek’s He Leadeth Me and Fr. Jacques Philippe’s The Eight Doors of the Kingdom: Meditations on the Beatitudes, are ideal Lenten reading.