Hey there,
It’s hard to believe Lent is a week away. Thankfully, that’s plenty of time to prepare.
Usually our Lent prep involves committing to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during Lent.
How about something a little extra this year? A Lenten preparation before Lent!
For 10 years in the 60’s, Catholics worldwide celebrated the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (that’s February 16th this year). It was removed from the Liturgical Calendar in 1969 so we no longer formally recognize it.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t pray this devotional to prepare for Lent.
The Holy Face of Jesus has to do with the compassion that Veronica showed to Jesus when she offered her veil to Him on the road to Calvary. It’s a devotion for reparations and adoration that was requested by Jesus in visions.
This week’s issue of Genuflect reflects on the Holy Face of Jesus, including the history of the feast day and the devotional, the nun who received the requests from Jesus, the promises of the Holy Face of Jesus, the importance of the face, and what reparation prayers are. There are two other celebrations on Tuesday so we also look at Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras.
There’s a novena you can begin praying now ahead of Lent. So plan what you’ll do during Lent, and join me in praying the Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus leading up to Lent.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
History of the Holy Face
It started in 33AD when Veronica met Jesus on the road to Calvary and offered her veil to wipe his face. What happened to the veil is nothing short of miraculous, including how the devotion to the Holy Face began.
A Short History of The Devotion to The Holy Face of Jesus | Catholic Company
Blessed Maria Pierina de Micheli
The Lord began appearing to Blessed Maria Pierina de Micheli at a very young age and continued throughout her life. She devoted her life to Jesus and to his Holy Face. Here’s a short biography of her faithful life and how the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus originated.
Maria Pierina de Micheli & The Holy Face of Jesus Devotion | Mystics of the Church
Promises of The Holy Face
DonnaSue Berry provides a deep look at the Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, beginning with Blessed Maria Pierina de Micheli. But she adds the experiences of Sr. Mary of St. Peter and the 10 promises of the Holy Face.
Holy Face of Jesus | Regina Magazine
Why The Face?
Why would Jesus want a devotion to His face? Though it may seem odd, it begins to make sense when you consider the importance of the face.
Feast of The Holy Face of Jesus | Vultus Christi
Reparation Prayers Explained
We don’t hear much about prayers of reparation anymore. So if you need a little refresher on what they are and why they are needed, this article is for you.
What Are Prayers of Reparation? | Aleteia
Mardi Gras
The period leading up to Lent is also called Mardi Gras. You probably think of the wild parades and parties in New Orleans. But did you know that Mardi Gras, aka Fat Tuesday, has its origins in the Catholic Church? Here’s a brief history lesson.
Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday And The Catholic Church | Catholic
Shrove Tuesday
In other parts of the English-speaking world the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday. Though it started out as a solemn day of penance, over the years it’s become more festive. If you’re curious about what we’re missing out on, take a look.
Shrove Tuesday Definition, Date, And More | Learn Religions
Family Mardi Gras Celebration
If you’d like to bring some Mardi Gras celebration to your kids, Lacy Lynch has your back. Try these recipes, games, and crafts before the beginning of the Lenten season.
Catholic Mardi Gras Celebration Ideas (And The Traditions That Started Them) | Catholic Icing
genuflect: prayer
Pray The Novena to The Most Holy Face of Jesus
Lent is coming up soon and a great way to prepare for it is to pray this novena. You’ll find the instructions for The Novena to The Most Holy Face of Jesus here.
genuflect: bonus
Digital Inspiration
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
