Reflection

Message of the Holy Father Pope Leo for Lent 2026

Pope Leo XIV has shared a message for Lent 2026, inviting the faithful to embark on a journey of conversion and renewal, placing God at the centre of their lives and turning away from the distractions and anxieties of daily life.

Lent is a time to allow the word of God to touch hearts, transform lives, and guide each step along the path of following Christ.

Listening

Listening is at the heart of this journey. The Holy Father emphasises the importance of making space for God’s word, listening attentively to one another, and responding to the cries of the poor and suffering. By opening themselves to these voices, the faithful can grow in compassion, justice, and discernment.

Fasting

The Holy Father shares that, “if Lent is a time for listening, fasting is a concrete way to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God.”

Beyond abstaining from food, fasting helps people recognise their true hunger, reorder their desires, live with humility, and speak with care and kindness. It nurtures self-discipline, prayer, and attentiveness to the needs of others.

Together

Lent is a communal journey. Families, parishes, and faith communities are called to support one another in listening, fasting, and acts of service, strengthening bonds and building spaces of hope, mercy, and love. Pope Leo XIV encourages all to embrace this season as an opportunity for renewal, conversion, and deeper commitment to God and neighbour.

Source: https://mn.catholic.org.au/news/message-of-the-holy-father-leo-xiv-for-lent-2026/

Principal's reflection

In his 2026 Lenten message, Pope Leo invites us to see this season not merely as a period of personal deprivation, but as a journey of communal renewal. While we are incredibly fortunate to live and learn within the beautiful surroundings of the Sutherland Shire, Lent calls us to look beyond our own horizons. Through the traditional pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are invited to reflect on our many blessings and channel that gratitude into action.

As a Lasallian Catholic community, we express this mission through Project Compassion. By making small, intentional sacrifices, our students and families provide vital support to those in need. I encourage you all to embrace this opportunity to make a tangible difference, proving that even the smallest acts of service can transform lives.

Prayer:

Lord God, 

You came to give honour to the least, those forgotten, overlooked and misjudged.

You came to give first place to the last, those left behind, misunderstood and undervalued.

You came to give a warm welcome to the lost, those who are orphaned, abandoned and destitute.

Help us to be your ears to listen to their cries.

Help us to be your voice speaking out love and acceptance.

Help us to be your feet walking besides those in need.

Help us to be your hands to clothe, feed and shelter them.

You came for the least, the lost and last of this world.

Lord hear our prayer.

Amen.

St John Baptist De La Salle…Pray for us

St Aloysius…Pray for us

Live Jesus in our Heart…Forever