March 8-14, 2021

Who Is My Neighbor?
By Pope Francis

About the Theme

   "We need to acknowledge that we are constantly tempted to ignore others, especially the weak," Pope Francis wrote in his encyclical letter Fratelli tutti published in October, 2020. "For all the progress we have made," the Pope wrote, "we are still 'illiterate' when it comes to accompanying, caring for and supporting the most frail and vulnerable members of our developed societies. We have become accustomed to looking the other way, passing by, ignoring situations until they affect us directly." 
   In the course of the encyclical the pope provided an extended reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke's Gospel which he said summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of the entire world, committed to fraternity and friendship in pursuit of the common good of all humankind.
   This year's Virtual Lenten Retreat features excerpts from the Pope's commentary on the parable and serves as a week-long focus on one of the most important and fundamental lessons in the whole of the Christian scripture.  Each day during the retreat participants will receive a reflection from the pope's commentary, questions for personal reflection or small group discussion, and prayer to be used at any time throughout the day.  In addition, participants will have an opportunity to post comments about the day's reflection and to read comments from other participants.

> Learn More about our Virtual Retreats here.
> Register for this year's Virtual Lenten Retreat here.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936, the son of Italian immigrants. He graduated as a chemical technician and then entered the Diocesan Seminary of Villa Devoto.  On March 11, 1958 he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus and graduated with a degree in philosophy from the Colegio de San José in San Miguel. He was ordained on December 13, 1969 and continued his training between 1970 and 1971 at the University of Alcalá de Henares, Spain.  He made his final profession with the Jesuits on April 22, 1973.  Returning to Argentina, he served as Provincial of the Jesuits in that country from 1973 to 1979.  Pope John Paul II appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires in 1992 and Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998.  He was created Cardinal on February 21, 2001 and was elected pope on March 13, 2013, at which time he chose the name Francis.  He is the first Jesuit and the first native of the Americas to be chosen as pope.