Light and forgiveness provide Lenten themes in Washington and Chicago

The archdioceses of Washington and Chicago launched efforts to rekindle the faith of Catholics this Lent with special observances that took their cue from Pope Francis’ call for a more merciful Church, writes Michael Sean Winters.

In Chicago, Archbishop Blase Cupich led a “Festival of Forgiveness” at which 24 different churches were open for 24 hours. Catholics were invited to come to pray, talk with a priest and/or receive sacramental confession. In Washington, Cardinal Donald Wuerl launched a “Light the City” event with an evening Mass at the Cathedral of St Matthew. After the Mass, priests were available to hear confessions until midnight.

San Diego: Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Robert McElroy, an auxiliary in San Francisco, as Bishop of San Diego. The US-based Catholic website Crux called McElroy a “social justice” bishop.
South Bend: Fr Theodore Hesburgh, the longest serving president of the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, died aged 97.