Pope says Lent is time to live as witnesses of charity

Published: 2008-02-20

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Lent was a time for Christians to live as "witnesses of charity," demonstrating that love is a defining characteristic of their faith. "Lent is a privileged time for all Christians to recommit themselves to conversion and spiritual renewal. In this way, we rekindle a genuine faith in Christ, a life-giving relationship with God and a more fervent dedication to the Gospel," the pope said at his general audience Feb. 20. "Strengthened by the conviction that love is the distinguishing mark of Christian believers, I encourage you to persevere in bearing witness to charity in your daily lives," he said. The pope continued his series of audience talks on St. Augustine, citing numerous works that have influenced the life of the church and helped form Western culture.

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