This 16th century work is based on an original by El Greco which now hangs in the Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio. It’s a scene of Christ in torment, moments before his arrest – we can see the soldiers coming for him to the right.

According to the Gospels, Christ retreated to the garden of Gethsemane to pray, asking God to spare him the ‘cup of suffering’ that he knew awaited him. Here an angel shrouded in supernatural light, stronger than that of the moon beyond, presents Christ with the cup. He is shown accepting his inevitable suffering.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the man who became Pope Francis in 2013, proved unconventional. He refused to live in the Apostolic Palace, residing in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse instead. He took the name Francis, in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi, becoming the first uniquely named pope in over 1,000 years. Many of his major teachings, known as “papal encyclicals”, echoed the wisdom of Saint Francis. For instance, Laudato Si (Praise Be to You, 2015) and Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers and Sisters, 2020), concerning care for the planet and care for each other, drew their inspiration from the saint.

As we approach the start of Lent some people give up things so they can focus on God. Others take up things to bless other people. Why not start something new this lent? A good place to start is with the one who makes all things new, Jesus Christ. His love for us is huge and he calls each of us to walk closer with him day by day. What will you start this Lent?

pollybrown@mottramparish.org.uk

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