Archbishop Broglio emphasizes prayer during Ash Wednesday Mass at Walter Reed

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, delivered a homily at an Ash Wednesday Mass on March 5 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He emphasized the importance of prayer, self-denial, and charity as essential elements of Lent.

In his address to nearly 150 military personnel, patients, and hospital staff gathered in Memorial Auditorium, Archbishop Broglio highlighted the significance of prayer in Jesus' life. "Judging from Jesus’ own life, prayer is something we ought to do often, especially at key moments of our lives," he stated.

He further elaborated on how one should pray: "We have to pray with faith. According to Jesus’ model, we have to pray for forgiveness." He stressed that reconciliation is crucial in today's divided society and that humanity must be cherished as it leads to renewal and reconciliation.

The Mass was part of Archbishop Broglio's annual tradition on the first day of Lent. The service was concelebrated by Navy chaplains Fathers Jason C. Burchell and Krzysztof Kuczynski. Prior to the Mass, Archbishop Broglio visited bedridden patients to administer ashes and holy Communion.

During his homily, he urged persistence in Lenten practices over the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Referring to saints like Augustine and Monica as examples of perseverance in faith, he remarked on God's intention for expanding hearts through delayed answers to prayers.

As president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Broglio encouraged practicing charity through words and actions. He recommended almsgiving to Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services among other organizations.