one way to help the needy this Lent is to join Cafod’s Family Fast Day on Friday March 15. The idea is to eat a simple meal – a bowl of soup, say – and then donate whatever money you have saved to the poor. Cafod.org.uk has resources explaining how to host a soup lunch and how to organise donations to Cafod, as well as a recipe for carrot and coriander soup.

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On Wednesday, March 13, Pope Francis (right) will mark the sixth anniversary of his election. That day, the Pope will be taking part in the Spiritual Exercises for the Roman Curia in Ariccia, led by Benedictine Abbot Bernardo Gianni.