As we enter Lent, our team at American Jesuits International prepares for a 40 day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. We hold in our hearts all those affected by natural disasters, political and economic instability, and all people living on the margins of our society. In particular, we pray that this season of almsgiving might help us grow closer to our brothers and sisters around the world who have been impacted by the sudden suspension of U.S. foreign aid.
In his Message for Lent, 2025, Pope Francis reminded us that “Christians are called to walk at the side of others, and never as lone travelers. The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to leave ourselves behind and keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters. Journeying together means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God.” This call to solidarity lies at the core of our work at American Jesuits International. This is why we remain committed to fostering connections and mobilizing resources to support Jesuit initiatives in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Today, on Ash Wednesday 2025, we want to share two brief reflections from our team. We hope they will help you enter this season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving together with us.
Ash Wednesday Homily from Fr. Taroh Amédé, S.J.
Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a boy named Leo who loved gardening. He had a little garden behind his house where he planted flowers and vegetables. Every day, he watered them and pulled out the weeds that tried to take over.
One day, his grandfather visited him and said, “Leo, your garden is beautiful! But have you ever thought about how our hearts are like a garden too?”
Leo was curious. “What do you mean, Grandpa?” he asked.
His grandfather smiled and explained, “Just like weeds grow in your garden, bad habits and selfishness can grow in our hearts. Lent is like a season of gardening for our souls. It’s a time to pull out the ‘weeds’—things like impatience, selfishness, or complaining—and plant good seeds—like kindness, prayer, and helping others.”
Leo thought about it. He knew sometimes he argued with his younger sister or didn’t listen to his parents right away. “So, during Lent, I need to work on my heart, just like I take care of my garden?”
“Exactly!” Grandpa said. “We do this by praying, making sacrifices, and sharing with others. And just like your garden takes time to grow, your heart will change too, little by little, until Easter comes, and you’ll see how much you’ve grown in love and faith.”
Leo decided that this Lent, he would not only take care of his garden but also take care of his heart. He prayed every day, helped his sister, and even gave up his favorite candy as a small sacrifice. When Easter arrived, he felt lighter, happier, and closer to God—just like his garden, his heart had bloomed beautifully.
Moral of the Story:
Lent is like a time for gardening in our hearts. By removing the “weeds” of bad habits and planting seeds of kindness, faith, and love, we prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter.
Let’s think about what “weeds” we need to pull out this Lent and what good “seeds” we can plant in our lives!
A letter from Nate Radomski on Ash Wednesday 2025
As we enter the sacred season of Lent, Ash Wednesday reminds us of our shared human journey—one of humility, repentance, and renewal. The ashes we receive today are a sign of our shared humanity which connects us with our brothers and sisters around the world. They are also an invitation to reflect on how we can continue to grow in solidarity with those in need through prayer, alms giving, and repentance.
At American Jesuits International, we want to invite you to embrace a spirit of global solidarity by opening your hearts to those in need—whether they are near or far. Pope Francis reminds us, “This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs.” Standing in solidarity with individuals and communities on the margins of our global community, we deepen our lenten experience.
During this time of prayer, we also join the global Catholic community in praying for Pope Francis during his grave illness. Since his election, the Holy Father has advocated for the poor and marginalized, inviting us to build a more loving, caring, and empowering society. We give thanks for his leadership and pray he will soon make a full recovery.
In closing, let us remember that the season of Lent should be one of action as well as prayer. For our part, we are committed to fostering connections and mobilizing resources to support Jesuit initiatives in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. You are welcome to join us in this work throughout the season of Lent and beyond. Whether you volunteer locally, advocate around issues of justice and equity, or donate, Lent is a great time to put your faith into action.
Wishing you a blessed and transformative Lent,
Nate Radomski
