A Lenten Message from Bishop Larry J. Kulick

Lent 2026

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we journey through this 75^th anniversary year of our beloved Diocese of Greensburg, I have found myself reflecting on the many sacred traditions that have shaped our life together. For three-quarters of a century, the faithful of this local Church have gathered around the sacraments, handed on the faith to our children, served the poor, remained steadfast in prayer, and journeyed together as a community of faith. The traditions of our faith are lifegiving, and Lent is one of these beautiful, enduring practices.

For 75 years, the people of this Diocese have marked the season of Lent with ashes, fasting, quiet prayer, almsgiving, and renewed devotion to the Cross. Lent is not simply a list of devotions we observe; Lent is a special gift from the Church to invite us to be conformed more closely to Christ.

This year, I was deeply moved by the Lenten message of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who calls the Church to rediscover Lent as a season of deep listening and authentic conversion. He reminds us that fasting is not only about giving up something externally, but about creating interior space – space for God’s word to resound in our hearts, space for charity to grow, space for mercy to flourish.

As we celebrate this historic milestone of 75 years of grace in the Diocese of Greensburg, I invite you to enter this Lenten season wholeheartedly. Lent always includes fasting and abstinence in their traditional forms, and I encourage you to observe them faithfully. But inspired by the Holy Father’s message, I invite you to consider additional ways of fasting this year. Fast from rash judgements. Fast from unkind or unnecessary words. Fast from quick criticism. Fast from the impulse to respond first rather than listen. Fast from gossip and malicious speech.

The Holy Father’s Lenten message made me think especially of our seminarians. During their propaedeutic year, they learn the discipline of detachment by fasting from unnecessary technology and social media. In a world flooded with constant noise, such discipline helps them hear the still, small voice of God more clearly. Perhaps all of us can imitate that example in some measure. Even if our responsibilities require technology, we can fast from its excess. We can detach from distraction in order to become more attentive – to God, to our families, to the people in front of us.

Removing these distractions is only effective if we fill the space left behind with Christ. Let this anniversary year be marked by a renewal not only of our institutions, but of our hearts. Let us take this opportunity to return to the basics that sustain our life in Christ – the Eucharist, forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance, Sacred Scripture, prayer, and the fellowship of community. Attend daily Mass. Pray the Stations of the Cross.

In particular, I invite you to attend our Lenten Evenings of Reflection, Adoration, and Reconciliation. This year we will reflect on the theme Into the Heart of Christ: A Lenten Journey through John 17, where together we will pray with Christ and reflect on who we are as His Church. Each evening will include Eucharistic Adoration and opportunities for the Sacrament of Penance. Please join us at any or all of the following:

Consecrated in the Truth: Set Apart to Belong

Monday, February 23, 2026 – 6:00PM; Saint Joseph Parish, Uniontown

That They All May Be One: Entering the Heart of Unity

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 – 6:00PM; Christ, Prince of Peace Parish, Ford City

That the World May Know You Sent Me: Mary’s Fiat at the Model of Ecclesial Witness

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – 6:00PM; Saint Vincent Basilica Parish, Latrobe

Also, please listen and subscribe to our new Lenten podcast: Desert Diaries, in which I reflect on Jesus’ forty days in the desert and how his example can encourage us during the ‘deserts’ of our lives and lead us to authentic conversion. Desert Diaries can be found at theaccentonline.org or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Over these 75 years, the Lord has been faithful to this Diocese. The question Lent places before us is both simple and profound: will we be faithful in return? Will we stand with him at the foot of the Cross so that we can share in the glory of His resurrection?

May these forty days renew us. May prayer transform us. May fasting free us. May charity define us. And when Easter comes, may this Diocesan Church rise with Christ – purified, united, and ready for the future God is preparing for us.

With gratitude for your faith, and with the promise of my prayers throughout this holy season, I remain,

Yours in Christ,