Sixty-seven runners participated in the second annual Lenten 40 pilgrimage relay in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon on March 23, the eve of Holy Week.
Teams of 2, 3 or 4 took part in the Lenten 40 run on a cold spring morning Saturday, the day before Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week.
Before the run, Bishop Mark Hagemoen blessed the runners, reminding them that Lenten40 is a pilgrimage and not a race, cautioning them about cold temperatures and icy patches on the route, while noting the importance of a spiritual pilgrimage taken together as a community and not just as individuals.
Jerome Montpetit, a member of the organizing committee, spoke about the cross that each team of runners would carry and pass on to teammates during the 40+ km. run.
“We need to learn to love the cross,” said Montpetit. “This is an instrument of our salvation, and a sign of love ultimately. — so hopefully, while you are running with the cross, you can reflect on the great love that God has for you, for us, and for the world that He gave up His only Son for, so that whoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life.”