On this Second Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us up a high mountain with Jesus in the Gospel of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9). There, before Peter, James, and John, Jesus is transfigured — His face shining like the sun, His clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, representing the Law and the Prophets. And then the voice of the Father declares: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Lent is our mountain journey.

In the first reading (Genesis 12:1–4a), Abraham is called to leave what is familiar and secure. “Go forth from your land… to a land that I will show you.” Abraham does not know the destination. He only knows the One who calls him. Lent asks something similar of us: to step away from what is comfortable — habits, distractions, even sins we have grown used to — and to trust that God is leading us somewhere better. The Transfiguration reminds us why this journey matters. The disciples see, just for a moment, who Jesus truly is. The glory that is usually hidden shines through. It strengthens them for what is to come — especially the scandal of the Cross. Before Good Friday, they are given a glimpse of Easter.

We, too, need that glimpse.

Our lives are often marked by burdens: family struggles, health concerns, uncertainty about the future. Faith does not remove these realities. But it changes how we carry them. The vision of Christ’s glory assures us that suffering and sacrifice do not have the final word. Transformation does. Peter wants to stay on the mountain: “Lord, it is good that we are here.” Who wouldn’t? We all cherish moments of clarity, peace, and spiritual consolation. Yet Jesus leads them back down the mountain — back to ordinary life, where healing, teaching, and ultimately the Cross await. Lent is not about escaping the world; it is about returning to it changed.

The Father’s command is simple: “Listen to him.”

This may be the heart of Lent. In a noisy world, filled with competing voices and constant distraction, are we truly listening to Christ? Through Scripture, prayer, the Eucharist, and the quiet movements of our conscience, He speaks. Do we make space to hear Him? This week, perhaps our Lenten practice can be shaped by that question. Take ten quiet minutes each day with the Gospel. Turn off the unnecessary noise. Fast not only from food, but from whatever keeps you from hearing the Lord clearly. Allow His light to reveal what needs to be transformed within you.

The same Jesus who shone with glory on the mountain walks with us now. If we follow Him through Lent — trusting like Abraham, listening like the disciples — we will not only witness His glory at Easter; we will share in it. May this holy season transfigure our hearts.

Fr. Varghese Puthussery SAC

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Warm and heartfelt greetings to each of you!

After a month away in India for vacation and several important family and religious events, I am truly happy to be back home with you. I return with a grateful heart, beautiful memories, and renewed energy to continue serving you.

First and foremost, I want to thank all of you for your prayers, love, and constant support during my time away. Even from a distance, I felt spiritually united with you. Your prayers accompanied me throughout my travels and responsibilities, and I am deeply grateful.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Fr. Sergio for generously and faithfully taking care of the pastoral duties in my absence. His availability and dedication ensured that parish life continued smoothly.

I also want to offer my heartfelt thanks to our office staff, the members of the pastoral council and finance council, the leaders of our various parish communities, and all those who quietly and faithfully took care of the many needs of our parish during my absence. Your sense of responsibility, teamwork, and love for the Church are truly inspiring. Because of your commitment, our parish continued to grow and function beautifully. I am deeply grateful for each one of you.

My time in India was a precious blessing. I was able to spend meaningful time with my dearly beloved mother and my family members. One of my sisters, who is a religious nun, was also home for vacation, and another two sisters their families also came from Spain and Mumbai. Being reunited together after some time was a great joy and consolation.

I was especially blessed to baptize the daughter of my niece — a grace-filled and emotional moment for our family. I also had the privilege of blessing the marriages of two of my cousins. These sacred celebrations reminded me once again of the beauty of faith lived within families.

I participated in the platinum jubilee celebration of the presence of the Pallottines in India — a historic and grace-filled milestone of 75 years of missionary service. I also successfully completed my R1 visa extension process at the U.S. Embassy, which allows me to continue my ministry here without any concern. I thank God that everything went well.

Another unforgettable moment was the feast of my home parish — a solemn joint celebration honoring Mother Mary, St. Sebastian, and St. Joseph, the patron of the parish. With nine days of novena followed by three days of vibrant celebration, it was a powerful witness of faith and devotion.

The days were filled with travel, visits, meetings, and many joyful reunions. They were beautiful, though quite full and demanding. Leaving my mother once again was not easy — it was heartbreaking for her and emotional for me. Yet I left with peace in my heart, knowing that I was returning to another family whom God has entrusted to my care.

I am back now — with you and for you — here in the United States. I come with renewed love, gratitude, and commitment to serve you wholeheartedly.

Thank you for being such a blessing in my life. Let us continue to walk together in faith, hope, and charity. May the Lord bless you and your families abundantly.

With affection, gratitude, and prayers,

Fr. Varghese Antony SAC

Every year, on the First Sunday of Lent the Church presents to us the Gospel of the temptation of Jesus in the desert, Matthew 4:1-11. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we hear how Jesus, after His baptism, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days. There He fasted, prayed, and faced temptation.

Why does the Church begin Lent with this scene? Because Lent is our desert experience.

The desert is a place of silence. A place where distractions are removed. A place where we encounter ourselves — and where we encounter God. But the desert is also a place of testing. Just as Jesus was tempted, we too experience temptation: the temptation to seek comfort over sacrifice, pleasure over discipline, power over humility, self over Go. Notice something important: Jesus does not avoid temptation. He faces it. And He overcomes it — not by argument, not by power, but by faithfulness to God’s Word. Let us ask ourselves today:

What is the “desert” I need to enter this Lent?

What temptation do I need God’s help to overcome?

What practical step will I take starting today?

Before Jesus began His public ministry, there was the desert. Before Easter joy, there is the Lenten journey. Yet we do not walk this path alone. The Spirit was with Jesus in the desert, and Christ walks with us today. If we embrace this season sincerely and prayerfully, Easter will not be just another celebration — it will be a personal experience of renewal and grace. May this holy season purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and lead us to the joy of the Resurrection.

Springfield Deanery of Catholic Women Council (SDCCW) is pleased to award $2,000 scholarships to four 2026 Catholic Girl High School Graduates in the Springfield dioceses in IL who exemplify our SDCCW Catholic values of Leadership, Faith, and Service.

Please see the attached application and information sheet to apply. Deadline of application is April 15, 2026.

2026 SDCCW HS Girl Scholarship Application

2026 SDCCW H S Girl Scholarship Letter to Graduate