By Viktoriia Havaleshko
Bishop Luis Manuel Alí Herrera and Pallottine Superior General Fr. Zenon Hanas, SAC, joined Lay Centre community evenings as part of our preparation for Easter, focused on bridging the path toward the Resurrection.
Bishop Alí Herrera, Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, emphasized on February 11 that caring for the most vulnerable is a shared ecclesial duty. It was the first time he visited The Lay Centre, opening the doors to a new friendship. He was particularly interested in the international dimension of our community.
Shared Friendship and Service
Fr. Zenon Hanas’s visit on February 25 highlighted the long-standing friendship between The Lay Centre and the Pallottines. His visit served as a reminder of a shared commitment to the formation of the laity.
These gatherings, which included both diplomatic visits and moments of silent reflection, represent the community’s commitment to a dialogue of life. By focusing on the path to Easter through the lens of service, the residents continue to walk together toward the joy of the Resurrection, grounded in the practical reality of the Church’s mission today.
Spiritual Attitudes for a Shared Mission
The preparation for Easter during the Lenten season began on Ash Wednesday, typically celebrated in community at The Lay Centre.
During his homily, Fr. Aurelio Aparecido Miranda, CP, explained that the journey toward Easter is a “time of truth” and a gift for the life of the Church. He noted that the goal is to return to a spiritual center, moving beyond external habits toward an inner conversion that allows for a deeper experience of the Risen Christ.
The preparation for Easter was defined by a call to authentic transformation. Fr. Aurelio remarked that spiritual distance from God often happens gradually, through a lack of prayer or superficiality. He described the return to faith as a moment to stop defending oneself and simply stand before the Lord as one truly is.
A member of the General Council of the Passionist order, he further identified several spiritual attitudes essential for this journey, including interiority, silence, and perseverance. He emphasized that true spiritual practice must open the heart to others—specifically those on the margins—transforming this time into a proactive search for God’s love and a commitment to one’s neighbor.
