Lent is not about empty rituals or merely giving up chocolate—it’s about walking with Jesus in the desert, facing temptation, and deepening intimacy with God. Fr. Larry Richards warns against approaching Lent as a self-improvement project or just another routine. Instead, he calls men to listen to what God wants for their Lent, rather than deciding for themselves.

Fr. Larry highlights three essential Lenten practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Prayer should be more than just reciting words—it should foster a deep relationship with God, ideally through Scripture. Fasting is not about self-focus but about emptying ourselves so God can fill us. Almsgiving reminds us to care for others, as Jesus commands.

Ultimately, true transformation happens when we put God first, others second, and ourselves last—embracing the Lenten journey as a path to becoming great men of God.

ABOUT FR LARRY

Fr. Larry Richards is a dynamic Catholic speaker, author, preacher, and retreat master known for his passionate and authentic approach to evangelization. A pastor, counselor, and evangelist, he has led thousands of retreats, parish missions, and conferences, impacting millions worldwide.

Ordained in 1989 for the Diocese of Erie, he holds degrees in mental health and divinity and has studied liturgy at Notre Dame. He currently pastors St. Luke and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parishes and serves on the board of the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance.

Fr. Larry is the founder of The Reason for Our Hope Foundation and the Divine Mercy Encounter Retreat Program. His best-selling book Be a Man! has sold over 160,000 copies, calling men to authentic strength through faith. He is also the author of Surrender! and has contributed to Catholic publications and media, including EWTN.

His podcast, Anchored in Hope, along with his radio and TV appearances, continue to inspire Catholics to embrace God’s will with courage and conviction.