Avert Quote by Pope Benedict XIV
“The observance of Lent is the very badge of Christian warfare. By it we prove ourselves not to be enemies of Christ. By it we avert the scourges of divine justice. By it we gain strength against the princes of darkness, for it shields us with heavenly help. Should men grow remiss in their observance of Lent, it would be a detriment to God’s glory, a disgrace to the Catholic religion, and a danger to Christian souls. Neither can it be doubted that such negligence would become the source of misery to the world, of public calamity, and of private woe.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Encyclical on Lent, 1755
Lent is presented as a spiritual battle, a means to align with Christ and resist evil, with neglect harming both divine glory and believers.
In simple terms: Lent is a spiritual war against sin and evil.
Key Takeaway
Observe Lent faithfully to gain spiritual protection.
Themes
faith
spiritual warfare
discipline
religion
Mood
solemn
reflective
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal devotion
- church teachings
- morality
- community worship
Key Concepts
Christian doctrine
penitence
spiritual resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fasting strengthen faith?
- What are modern equivalents of spiritual warfare?
A Different Perspective
Neglect may lead to personal and societal moral decline.
![“Now you know well that the most deadly foes of the Catholic religion have always waged a fierce war, but without success, against this Chair [of St. Peter]; they are by no means ignorant of the fact that religion itself can never totter and fall while this Chair remains intact, the Chair which…” quote by Pope Pius IX](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/345/pope-pius-ix-26903_catholic_now-you-know-well-that-the-most-deadly-f_1692136.jpg)
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