Bringing Lent Home with Pope Francis

Book excerpt: This timely fourth title in the Bringing Lent Home series by EWTN host and popular author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle invites families with children to let the wisdom and spiritual insight of Pope Francis be their guide through Lent. The story of the popular Holy Father’s life, brief words of inspiration from him, and a variety of prayers and activities are included for each of the 40 days of Lent. Known for his humility and concern for the poor, Pope Francis has been an inspiration to millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike since he became the Church’s first Jesuit pope in 2013. In Bringing Lent Home with Pope Francis, popular author and EWTN host Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle , offers Pope Francis as a guide through Lent. Guided by the threefold Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the booklet offers inspiring stories, practical ideas for family prayer, easy-to-do activities, and suggestions for conversations. Building on the popularity of Bringing Lent Home with St. John Paul II, Bringing Lent Home with Mother Teresa and Bringing Lent Home with St. Thérèse of Lisieux, this edition provides the same practical elements: a quotation from Pope Francis, a story about his life, and practical suggestions for living the threefold call of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Parents can enhance their own daily prayer by using the booklet’s reflections for parents. On Sundays, families focus on the themes assigned to that Sunday of Lent, and Cooper O’Boyle suggests a project for the week ahead. The booklet can be used with any of the three Catholic lectionary cycles. Previous books in the series have been praised by parents, catechists, and pastors alike as helpful, creative, and transformative resources.