By LORETTA FULTON The season of Lent begins Wednesday, March 2, with the traditional Ash Wednesday services, followed by six weeks of reflection, study, and in somes cases, giving up something such as particular food items or bad habits. But first, its’s time to feast–at least in some traditions. Tuesday, March 1, is Shrove Tuesday, which takes its name from
Read more
By DARRYL TIPPENS So now we are in the season of Lent, a time for penitence and self-denial. While the observance officially began on Ash Wednesday, rather than 40 days, it feels more like a 400-day observance. During this time, so many things have been denied to us—time with family, face-to-face worship, live entertainment, freedom to travel, and during our
Read moreBy JANICE SIX Peter waivers on the edge of night, attempting to remain anonymous as he awaits the verdict of the high priests. The very thing he vowed he would never do, he does. Pushed over the edge by a couple of observant servant-girls who remember seeing him talking to Jesus, Peter is called out. Shouting curses and swearing an
Read moreNews ReleaseCatholic Diocese of San Angelo For Catholics in the Diocese of San Angelo, Bishop Michael Sis has dispensed from the obligation of fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, and Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.This is because of the conditions of the current winter storm. Many people are without electricity, water, and heat, and driving conditions are hazardous
Read more
(Editor’s Note: Bishop Sis has canceled the Ash Wednesday services that were scheduled to be held in Abilene Feb. 17) By LORETTA FULTON Weather and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic permitting, Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo will be in Abilene Wednesday for two Ash Wednesday services. But those services won’t be in one of the four local
Read more
By DARRYL TIPPENS There is the legend of the old Scottish True Believer who fervently prayed: “O Lord, I pray that I am right about everything, for Thou knowest I never change my mind.” While I’ve never prayed this prayer, I understand the sentiment of it. I was raised in a family which fostered self-confidence. My five siblings and I
Read moreBy LESLIE STRADER Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor was once asked to describe the greatest paradigm shift she encountered during her rise to the Supreme Court. She responded by saying, “The existence of evil. I didn’t want to believe anybody could be purely evil, but I know now they can. Evil exists.” British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge once said, “The depravity
Read moreBy JANICE SIX As the season of Lent draws near, even Christians from non-liturgical denominations and traditions can be heard discussing what they plan to “give up” during the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter morning. It’s baffling to me what people choose to “give up” as a spiritual practice during Lent. For example: Chocolate. Yes, it’s considered to
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 