Lent at Ephesus

By Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles This 2014 album by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles offers beautiful renditions of traditional chants and hymns for Lent and Holy Week, including the beloved “O Sacred Head Surrounded,” the “Improperia” for Good Friday, and three original pieces of the Community. “St. Benedict reminds us that the life of a monk ought to be a continuous Lent; a life centered around the Cross of Christ. Lent is the season in which we are invited to give our lives to the Lord as He gave His own for us. We must never forget that we, as sinners, are responsible for the sufferings of our Divine Redeemer. Yet our miserable state can only call forth such a liberal manifestation of His tender mercy. The sign of the cross with which we call down God’s blessing upon ourselves remains a sign of contradiction: one of suffering Love, and final victory. It is a constant reminder of God’s mercy, which He is always waiting to grant souls who are truly willing to tur