Lenten Retreat Preacher opens Spiritual Exercises in the Vatican

The Lenten Spiritual Exercises for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries open on Sunday afternoon with the meditation of Trappist Bishop Erik Varden on the theme of “Entering Lent.”

Lenten Spiritual Exercises begin in the Vatican (22 February 2026) (@Vatican Media)

The Spiritual Exercises for Lent in the Vatican began Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m. in the Pauline Chapel, in the presence of Pope Leo XIV, Cardinals residing in Rome, and heads of Dicasteries.

The annual Lenten Exercises will be preached by Bishop Erik Varden, on the theme “Illuminated by a Hidden Glory.” The Cistercian of the Strict Observance (Trappists) has served as Bishop of Trondheim in Norway since 2019.

On Sunday, he delivered his first reflection on the theme “Entering Lent,” publishing a summary of the discourse on his website.

From Monday, February 23, until its conclusion on February 27, Bishop Varden will preach two meditations each day, one at 9:00 a.m., preceded by Mid-Morning Prayer, and at 5:00 p.m., followed by Eucharistic Adoration and Vespers.

Two meditations on Saint Bernard are scheduled: “Saint Bernard, the Idealist” and “Saint Bernard, the Realist,” scheduled for the afternoon of February 26. Other themes include: God’s help; Becoming free; The splendor of truth; A thousand will fall; “I will glorify Him”; The angels of God; On consideration; concluding with the final meditation focused on “Communicating hope.”

In his remarks at the beginning of the Spiritual Exercises on Sunday, Bishop Varden stresses that Lent confronts us with essentials: 'it takes us, materially and symbolically, into a space stripped of superfluities.'

He notes that things apt to distract us, even things wholesome in themselves, are removed for a season, and reiterates how we are to embrace an abstinence of the senses.

In particular, the Preacher underscores that Christians are to battle against vices and harmful passions, but to pursue and be people of peace.

Before concluding, Bishop Varden cites St Bernard of Clairvaux as a model, who understood 'what it means to live by grace as we fight evil, foster good, uphold truth, and follow the exodus path from unfreedom towards the land of promise...'

'He summons us,' the Preacher concludes, 'to loving and clear-headed discipleship.'

Deborah Castellano Lubov
Source: vaticannews.va/en