The Church in Venezuela asks for the «reconciliation of souls» in the beginning of Lent

The Catholic Church in Venezuela on Wednesday asked for ash for the «reconciliation of souls» and the health of Pope Francis, as part of the message of the day that begins Lent.

«In these 40 days, the Church asks especially for the reconciliation of souls, the forgiveness of sins (…) we ask God to free us from disorderly affections,» Jesuit Father Argenis García told Efe, at the end of the mass in the church of San Francisco, in the center of Caracas.

He also explained that Lent is a «special time» that the Church dedicates to be able to review the heart.

«The important thing is that during this time let’s review how our relationship with God is, how our relationship with ourselves is and how the relationship with the brothers is, so that we can review our life in depth, our faith, to establish better relationships of love and fraternity between God and us and the brothers,» he added.

He also said that in this period, in a special way, he continues to pray for the health of Pope Francis, «to continue entrusting him so that the Lord intercedes for his health and we can have it well among us.»

Francisco, 88, has been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 by bronchitis with polymicrobial infection to which bilateral pneumonia joined.

This Wednesday, the Pope resumed respiratory physiotherapy with high flow oxygen therapy, without non -invasive mechanical ventilation, Vatican sources indicated, after their conditions were «stable» in the last hours after the two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday.

For his part, Gregory Galavis, a member of the Legion of Mary, told Efe that Ash Wednesday represents a commitment to renew loyalty votes with the Catholic institution and with God.

«It is also protection. The Gospel says (that) every man, woman, child, old man, beggar, newborn baby, who is sealed with the ash cross will be saved, ”he said.

Galavis advocates the transformation because, «there are» many families fractured by political issues, others for personal problems, many divided families. » EFE