We are deeply immersed in the holy liturgical season of Lent. Every year God gives us an opportunity to be aware of our journey towards Him with in a more determined and dedicated spirit. If this season finds us indifferent there is more reason to make self-searching decisions and clear the obstacles that hinder us to feel the presence of the Loving Father in our life.

Our Pontiff is inviting us to make serious self- searching with three key words: Pause-See-Return. Pause all that makes us self-centred, resentful, superficial, and materialistic or any other aspects of our life that is poisonous to us and others. Lent is the proper time to clean up the garbage of our life and regain our healthy thoughts and tendencies. See is also an invitation to gaze at the Cross of Christ that overflows with love and mercy for all the weak and undefended. Pope Francis invites us not to ignore Jesus’ crying in the person of the poor, weak, hungry, sick and the needy in general. Our heart should resemble that of Christ which never ceases caring for the needy and most abandoned. In his own words: “For I was hungry and you did not give me anything to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink (Mt 25:42).

Last but not least Pope Francis wants us to Return. To make a U-turn and go back to the Source of life and love, like the prodigal son. Often when we have the treasure in our heart we look somewhere else. We look for things that can never satisfy our hunger and thirst for real life, a life that is fertile. Return to the Loving father who renders us a meaningful life. Let us take advantage of our Pope’s wisdom and renew our lives.

The role of women in the life of the Church is biblically founded and over toned systematically. Several women played decisive role in the Bible. God chose several women to convey his message in history of salvation both in the Old and New Testament. There is a long history till the present of prominent women who were and are outstanding in the life of the Church. Women like Mother Teresa gave the Church a different face of God. Unfortunately, as the patriarchal mentality still survives, the role of women in the Church is not amplified. As the article clearly indicates the role of women in the Church is vital. Some women rightly complain that their voices are not hear in the male-dominated Church despite their multiple services. Their motherly love and care reflects the heart of the Almighty God. They do many things that men cannot do in the life of the Church. They pay attention to small details that give life to the Christian community which normally men overlook. The real issue at stake is not propaganda or advert of women in the Church, but to recognize and respect their role as vital members of the community. Mother Mary is the icon of all women in the history of salvation. “Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.” (Luke 1:45).

During this Lenten Period we are encouraged to nurture silence and contemplate the graces God is showering on us by His Crucified Messiah. No one can teach us better than the Virgin Mary: But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). It is the proper time to ponder on the suffering and glory of Christ who brings peace and reconciliation to our ravaged world. As she escorted Him up to his death on the cross, let us follow her footsteps and flavor in depth for the mystery of our salvation. Fruitful Lenten Season!!