“Repent and believe in the Gospel.”
This is one of the options for the priest or other minister to say when imposing ashes on the forehead on Ash Wednesday. Christians—Catholics in particular—, have always focused on three practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We hear the call from Jesus to do these practices for the right reason in the Gospel of Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 which is proclaimed on Ash Wednesday. The goal of Lent is for one to arrive at Easter closer to Jesus Christ, and therefore better Christian than where one started the season. Here at OLC, we have numerous opportunities during this Lenten Season to deepen your faith.
Adoration
Spend time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Beginning February 19, adoration will be moved to Thursdays. Following the 7:00am Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in the monstrance on the altar in the Lower Basilica until 6:30pm. One of the priest friars will then give benediction at 6:30pm.
All are invited to stop by and adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at any point throughout the day.
Stations of the Cross
Walk the Way of the Cross with our Lord on each Friday of Lent. Stations take place in the Upper Basilica at 7:00pm on Fridays.
On March 6, the 7th and 8th grade classes from Our Lady of Consolation School will present Living Stations of the Cross.
All who partake in praying all fourteen Stations of the Cross are able to obtain a plenary indulgence after having fulfilled the usual conditions of complete detachment from sin, sacramental confession within 20 days, reception of Holy Communion, and prayers for the intention of Pope Leo XIV.
In the event you do not pray all fourteen Stations for any reason, a partial indulgence is granted for each station.
Lenten Ladle Series
The Conventual Franciscans haved served at Our Lady of Consolation since June 1, 1912. Fourteen years later, the friars serving here and throughout the midwest formed the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation named after our beloved church and shrine.
Even though they have served here for 114 years, we can always get to know one another better! The friars want to spend a Wednesday evening with YOU! They want to connect more with the community and explain their Franciscan way of life.
On the first three Wednesdays of Lent, different friars will speak about varying topics of Franciscan spirituality, mission, and history.
The evening begins with a soup supper, moves into the talk, and concludes with a Q& A.
- Wednesday, February 25 at the OLC Office Building: Fr. Wayne Hellman
- Wednesday, March 4 at St. Peter School in Upper Sandusky: Fr. Savio Manavalan
- Wednesday, March 11 at the OLC Office Building: Fr. Tom Merrill and Bro. Randy Kin
Little Black Book at the Brewery
On Thursday evenings during Lent, come for a Journey with The Little Black Book at the Carey Brewing Station (300 E. Findlay St., Carey, Ohio). You can attend as many sessions as you are able. Copies of The Little Black Book are available in the vestibule of the basilica. Limited copies will be available for sessions at the brewery.
This relaxed atmosphere gives a wonderful opportunity for reflection, discussion, and prayer. Bring a friend or two—they do not have to be Catholic, in fact, it would be great to evangelize to our non-Catholic friends and family.
Session 1: February 19 – Entering the Desert: Preparing the Heart for Lent
Session 2: February 26 – A Beautiful Gift: Generosity, Freedom, and Joyful Sacrifice
Session 3: March 5 – Staying Awake: Weakness, Watchfulness, and Trusting the Shepherd
Session 4: March 12 – Misunderstood, Abandoned, and Silent Love
Session 5: March 19 – From the Cross to Hope: The Passion as Good News