From Sacrifice to Service: The 5th Week of Lent and the Inspiring Story of Saint Waldetrudis
As we enter the fifth week of Lent, a time of profound reflection and preparation for the Passion of Christ, we are called to deepen our understanding of sacrifice and commitment.
This week, we are reminded of the approaching shadow of the cross, and the immense love that motivated Jesus's ultimate act of self-giving. We are encouraged to examine our own hearts, to consider the ways we can embody Christ's love in our daily lives, and to prepare ourselves for the powerful liturgies of Holy Week. This is a time to draw closer to the heart of the Gospel, and to allow the lessons of sacrifice and redemption to shape our spiritual journey.
We are also celebrating Saint Waltrude, the patron saint of Mons, Belgium, whose life powerfully reflects the spirit of Lent through her acts of compassion and liberation.
Saint Waltrude's biography recounts her dedication to freeing captives, personally arranging ransoms and ensuring their safe return to their families. Her unwavering commitment to mercy and justice, exemplified by her selfless actions, serves as a poignant reminder of the call to serve others, especially those who are suffering. Just as we prepare our hearts during this fifth week of Lent to understand Christ's sacrifice, Saint Waltrude’s example reminds us that living out our faith means actively working for the freedom and well-being of others. Her legacy, celebrated annually during the Ducasse de Mons festival, where her shrine is carried through the city on the gilded car d'or, stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassion and the transformative potential of a life dedicated to service. Like the journey towards the cross, Saint Waltrude's life exemplifies the power of a life lived for others. Furthermore, the fact that her parents, sister, husband, and all four of her children were also canonized, displays a dedication to faith that spreads through an entire family, and that faith's power to transform communities.