LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
A season of renewal begins in the
Catholic Church just days after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation.
Benedict is the first pope in nearly
600 years to resign from the position, the 28th of February will be his last
day.
"Pope is such a great example to
the world he was not hanging on to the power," said Father Joe
Kannampuzha, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church.
Father Joe of St. Andrew the Apostle
Catholic Church of Lufkin says an ailing pope is an ailing church and by
stepping down he creates opportunity for growth in the ministry.
"In 2008 the Pope said once I
become incapable of carrying on this ministry I will step down and he
did," said Kannampuzha.
Wednesday, the first day of Lent,
churches across the area were filled with people ready to start a new.
Catholics believe the ashes placed on
their foreheads represent their repentance before god.
"Its hopefully a time of
conversion to change and become a better person," said Martha Lopez
Coleman, Secretary, St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
For the 40 days leading up to Easter,
Catholics vow to give up certain things like soda or sweets, or take on
challenges like healthier living or praying throughout the day.
"Running three days a week and
have a 10k under my belt," said Coleman.
"I don't really give up anything
for lent, I basically use lent to get close to God, pray more," said Davin
Trevino, Member, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church.
The ultimate goal is spiritual
renewal, letting go of things in the past and grow stronger in faith in the
future.
The 85-year-old- Pope announced Monday
that he was stepping down because of his age and that it was for the good of
the church.
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