# Open Doors Wide: Welcoming Others in Lent
*2016-03-18*

> Bill Young reflects on Pope Francis’ call to make everyone feel welcome, sharing personal experiences of missed connections in Catholic settings and urging us to open our hearts with mercy and forgiveness.

## Why Hospitality Matters

Pope Francis repeats the invitation to make others feel welcome, so it must be a priority for the Church. He reminds us of Romans 15:7: “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” This call to hospitality is especially relevant during Lent, a season of conversion and renewal.

## Personal Encounters with Closed Doors

I remember taking my son, then a preschooler, to a Presbyterian preschool service. After the liturgy, families lingered, chatting and shaking hands. In contrast, at many Catholic events I’ve noticed people rush out the door, missing the chance for conversation. At a men’s conference I felt isolated, eating alone and struggling to start a dialogue. Even when a stranger approached me, I couldn’t sustain the conversation, leaving both of us awkward.

A similar moment happened after the Pope’s visit to Washington, D.C. I had spoken to local media about the pilgrimage, and a man later asked if we’d met before. I tried to be friendly, but the exchange ended abruptly, highlighting how difficult it can be to maintain connection.

## Barriers Within Our Parish Life

Often we greet each other before Mass, but after the liturgy the priest’s handshake and brief conversations with a few parishioners leave many feeling unnoticed. We tend to form friendships outside the parish—through work, other faith communities, or shared interests—while the bonds within the pews remain thin. This pattern runs counter to the Pope’s emphasis on openness.

## Living the Gospel of Welcome

The Church is called to be a place of mercy, hope, and inclusion. When we open our doors wide, we invite others into the joy of God’s love and the promise of full communion with the Lord. Our mission is to proclaim salvation and give courage to those who feel lost.

Let us pray: “Jesus, help me open myself to welcoming others with a sense of mercy and forgiveness.” May we all strive to make the Church a welcoming home where everyone feels loved, forgiven, and encouraged.

*Hospitality is a concrete way to live out the Gospel, especially during Lent.*