” “"Lent starts today, a powerful liturgical time of prayer, a time of penance and commitment to serving one’s brothers, to be lived with the eyes always fixedly on Jesus, who sets out towards His death and Resurrection". With these words, the Pope gave his "warm welcome" to the young, as he greeted the many Italian classes who crowded the Vatican Basilica, which hosted the first part of today’s general audience, Ash Wednesday. "Dear boys and girls went on Benedict XVI , feel this invitation as if Christ gave it personally to each one of you, and accept it with generosity. By faithfully covering the austere Lenten path recommended the Pontiff to the young for this powerful time of the liturgical course , in preparation to Easter, you can realise the risks your spiritual life is exposed to, and you will be encouraged to accomplish your Christian calling with joy". "On your side concluded the Pope before moving to Aula Paolo VI for the second part of the audience is Mary, the Woman of Hope who with her motherly tenderness supports and guides you through the forty days that lead us to Easter". ” ” ” “
