Pope Benedict the Fourteenth on Lent
Dymphna gets the hat tip for this great summary of Lent. Except I think she meant to write Benedict XIV rather than XI. (Dang Roman Numberals.)
The observance of Lent is the very badge of Christian warfare. By it we prove ourselves not to be enemies of Christ. By it we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should men grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God’s glory, a disgrace to the Catholic religion, and a danger to Christian souls. Neither can it be doubted that such negligence would become the source of misery to the world, of public calamity, and of private woe.
Here's another source of the quote.
Pope Benedict the Fourteenth shouldn't be confused with our recent B16. And, speaking of Princes of Darkness, never confuse either with Benedict IX (the ninth) who was probably one of the worst human beings ever let alone one of the worst popes.
I was the kid who concentrated on making my Roman numerals look pretty on paper. Actually counting wasn't my strong suit.
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