Lent 2025: A call for inwardness and solidarity in faith

Lent 2025: A call for inwardness and solidarity in faith

The first Ash Wednesday under the leadership of Apostolic Administrator Josef Grünwidl was an impressive event in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, which took place on March 5, 2025. In his sermon he discussed the meaning of Lent as an invitation to inner renewal and strengthening of faith. “Wherever our faith has become thin and superficial, we are invited to go deeper,” emphasized Grünwidl, concluding that being a Christian requires more than mere traditions. He called on believers to deepen their personal relationship with Christ and to pay attention to the social dimensions of fasting, which are intended to promote contact and togetherness Kathpress was reported.

At the same time, the high altar of St. Stephen's Cathedral was covered during Lent by the well-known artist Gottfried Helnwein with an oversized, liturgical purple canvas showing the Shroud of Turin in a headstand. This provocative installation creates excitement and references the history of artworks that have traditionally challenged norms. Helnwein, who is known for his controversial works, sees this as part of an artistic tradition that has always caused debate. His creation is the first of three triptychas he designed for Lent and is displayed on Helnwein.com described in more detail.

The Ash Wednesday celebrations and Helnwein's impressive art installation demonstrate not only the religious but also the cultural challenges facing the Catholic Church. This comes in a year in which Western and Eastern churches will celebrate Easter on the same date, which is seen as an opportunity for unity in the Christian community, said Grünwidl.