NEW PASTORAL NOTE: Standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross

"Mary at the Foot of the Cross," a new icon commissioned by the Archdiocese of Denver and written by Elizabeth Zelasko, a local sacred artist and Denver Catholic columnist. (Photo provided)

Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila published "Standing with Mary at the Foot of the Cross," his newest Pastoral Note, Wednesday.

The note announces the public period of a nine-year novena ahead of the great Jubilee of our salvation in 2033, reveals a new icon entitled, "Mary at the Foot of the Cross" — which was unveiled Tuesday at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center — and offers a supercharged spiritual reflection as Lent begins, centered on the seven last words of Jesus on the Cross.

As the holy season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving begins, the faithful are encouraged to read and reflect upon Archbishop's latest Pastoral Note and to draw near to the Mother of God — and our mother, too — each day this Lent, and over the next several years.

Read Archbishop Aquila's Lenten Pastoral Note:

"Standing at the Foot of the Cross with Mary"