By Amanda Murthy
The Centre for Life, Marriage and Family (CLMF) has produced a Lenten journal to mark the 25th anniversary of The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae), which was released by Saint John Paul II on the Feast of the Annunciation in 1995.
The journal consists of scripture passages, excerpts from the Encyclical and personal reflections.
Manager of Life Services at the Centre for Life Marriage and Family Bronia Karniewicz said the resource served as a great way to help lead the faithful into a deeper reflection and prayer, especially during this time of Lent and crisis.
“An important part of Lent is self-examination, and journaling can help with that as this is a way we can gain perspective and learn to recognise and appreciate God’s presence in our life,” she explained.
“We are now towards the end of the resource as we approach Easter, and the responses we received from people who are using the journal have come from many varying places and has been overwhelmingly positive.
“No-one uses the journal the same, but the consistent theme throughout the feedback has been that it has been thought-provoking and imbued with the Holy Spirit,” Ms Karniewicz explained.
“We hope the resource leads people into a deeper reflection of the dignity and incomparable worth of every human person, as they journey with Christ to the Cross and to Salvation.”
Ms Karniewicz explained that at the heart of the Encyclical, St John Paul II spoke about building a culture of life, and the importance of building authentic relationships in a society that acknowledges the dignity of every person, regardless of their “usefulness”.
This, Ms Karniewicz said, is vital to note during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it may sometimes seem easier to become self-centred and inwardly focussed when in isolation.
“It is imperative that we all, in simple ways, affirm the dignity of every person and provide comfort and hope; striving to ensure that no one feels like they must make this journey alone,” she cited.
“Listen, affirm and validate emotions. It is important that people know their concern and thoughts are heard – don’t jump to conclusions, we are all going to experience this at a different time.
“We might be doing a lot of this via digital technologies, but it is vitally important that we reach out to each other in other ways too,” Ms Karniewicz added.
Ms Karniewicz encouraged the faithful to continue the habit of journaling throughout the year, as it can help them gain perspective, learn to recognise, and appreciate the presence of God.
“Journaling now, in uncertain times can help us practice the habit of going to Jesus and spending time with Him every day,” Ms Karniewicz affirmed.
“It can help us focus, and create an ongoing dialog with Jesus, especially in these times when we are unable to attend Church; it can be a way to create a concrete practice to keep us in connection with the Lord.
“Journaling helps us express our feelings and better understand our emotions, writing out thoughts and prayers is a way to maintain connection with the Lord, and this is going to be really important in the coming months,” she concluded.