WITNESS: A New Lenten Devotional Week 3

Join Dominican friar and beloved podcaster, Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, for a transformative Lenten journey.

"Bear one another's burdens"(Galatians 6:2).

This third week of Lent calls us to compassion—to suffer with Christ and with one another.

Join Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, in this Week 3 reflection from Witness as you walk with Simon of Cyrene, Veronica, the angel in Gethsemane, and others who showed compassion to Jesus in his Passion. These witnesses teach us that compassion is not just feeling—it's action, presence, and love made visible.

Simon carried the Cross when Christ could carry it no longer. Veronica offered her veil to wipe his bloodied face. The angel brought strength in the garden of agony. Each one stepped into another'ssuffering and became part of the story of redemption.

This Lent, who is Christ calling you to accompany? Whose burden might you help carry? Where might your simple act of compassion reveal the face of God?

Witness invites you to encounter the people of the Passion—flawed, fearful, hopeful,and deeply loved—and to see yourself among them.

From the Good Thief to Pontius Pilate, Martha to Barabbas, these biblical figures reveal the depths of our own human heart: flawed, fearful, hopeful, and deeply loved.

Each week focuses on a different virtue as you explore the lives of those who were present with our Lord:

Repentance with the Good Thief and Barabbas
Trust with the Virgin Mary and John the Beloved
Compassion with Simon of Cyrene and Veronica
Humility with soldiers and witnesses
Courage with Thomas, James, and the apostles
Sacrifice with the centurion Longinus and others

Witness is an invitation to step onto the dusty roads of Jerusalem, to stand in the courtyard, and to kneel at the foot of the Cross. As Father Patrick writes, "The story of the Passion is not only about what happened to him—it's about what is happening to us."

When you order Witness from Ave Maria Press, you'll receive access to exclusive weekly companion videos featuring Father Patrick's reflections, plus a free downloadable Leader's Guide — perfect for personal prayer or small group study.