The March issue of the NW NJPN E Bulletin contains a wide range of resources for Lent.  In his Message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “journey together in hope,” and to use the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God’s call to change our lives.

The Pope’s reflection ties into the broader theme of the Jubilee Year: ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Picking up on from this we look at a three-year project to promote walking pilgrimage in England & Wales by developing Pilgrim Ways between the cathedral of each Catholic diocese and one or more shrines within the same diocese and examine the many benefits of pilgrimage.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has issued a new resource which helps Catholics use Scripture and their faith to inspire effective social justice action – we take a detailed look.

Pressing issues are discussed: concern about the UK government’s decision to cut international aid in favour of defence spending in the light of President Trump’s intervention in world affairs, an excellent opinion piece from Ian Linden, and a focus on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.  Regular contributor Heather Kiernan provides first-hand accounts of the impact of these conflicts.

There’s a packed diary of events for March and April and information about upcoming conferences.

Please read and pass on to others.

Anne O’Connor

Click here to open – NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin March 2025