The Ascension Lenten Companion:
Walking with Mary to Jerusalem

By Fr. Mark Toups

Enter the heart of Mary as she accompanies Jesus to Jerusalem.

No one on earth knew Jesus better than his mother. No one spent more time with him or knew his heart better than she did. While the apostles spent an intense three years under his care, Mary spent thirty years with him before his public ministry, learning his heart, his mannerisms, and every little detail about him.


Mary deeply desires that you know and love her son. This Lent, through The Ascension Lenten Companion, you can learn to see Jesus’ Passion and death through the heart and eyes of his mother. With Mary at your side, your prayer, fasting, and almsgiving can become more than habitual practices, profound personal encounters with Christ in his final moments.


Following the same award-winning format that hundreds of thousands of Catholics have enjoyed through past Lent and Advent reflections, The Ascension Lenten Companion will help you cultivate a deeper attentiveness to Christ. By walking alongside Mary, your Lent will become an intimate journey where you'll share in both her sorrows and her love, drawing ever closer to the heart of Jesus.

What does The Ascension Lenten Companion offer?

Ash Wednesday video to begin your Lenten journey

(approx. 7 minutes)

Full-color Lent journal with daily meditations, prayers, and original artwork

7 supplemental reflection videos from Ash Wednesday to Holy Week

(approx. 6-10 minutes each)

Each day, you'll find...

  • A word – Focus on a single word each day to help you enter more deeply into the theme of that week’s readings.
  • A reflection – Read a short reflection and meditate on Scripture.
  • A prompt – Journal every day. Write down your thoughts and the stirrings in your heart as Our Lord and his Blessed Mother speak to you this Lent.

* click to expand image

Featuring Fr. Mark Toups

What's New This Year

Family Resources

The Family Resources sections feature
prayers, inspirational quotes, discussion questions, and activities that align thematically with each week’s journal meditations. We hope these resources will help you and your loved ones enter into the season of Lent.

 

QR Codes

Look for the video icon QR code throughout the journal to find the recommended days of your Lent journey.

Amazing

"Beautifully worded, brought me face to face with Jesus. Sat with him, walked with him, and brought me to my knees. Nothing better than falling in love with Jesus." —Katie

A 'must have'!

"If you're looking for a deeper way to experience the Lenten practice, THIS IS IT. I had believed my faith to be strong going in but this journey with Fr. Mark guided me to a transformation. I supplemented this with his YouTube videos as well. Thank you Fr. Mark!" —Martha

Bring The Lenten Companion Journal Experience to Your Parish or Small Group

Before Lent:

  • Order The Ascension Lenten Companion: Walking with Mary to Jerusalem for your parish or small group.

  • Spread the word! Use these free resources from Ascension.

  • Bring everyone together to watch the 7-minute Ash Wednesday video, or email parishioners and invite them to watch the video at home. Distribute the journals at this event, or make them available at the back of the church.

Bulk Discounts

During Lent:

  • Each week, email participants the link to the 6-10 minute video. We have partnered with Flocknote to create the emails for you—learn how here!

  • Arrange for your small groups to meet once a week during Lent for 60-90 minutes to discuss the weekly reflection questions and watch the weekly video together. We have a sample meeting outline for you here.

The Ascension Lenten Companion is available in English and Spanish.
The DVD is in English with the choice of English or Spanish subtitles.

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