A lucky Lent.

Since I rarely eat chocolate or ice cream, for the past several years, I've given up Monday nights for Lent. I "fast" from Ally McBeal, an extra workout, and an early bedtime, and instead spend my Monday evenings attending a weekly series of Lenten programs at a local women's spirituality center. What propels me to go--even when Ally is not a rerun or when I could really use 24 minutes on the Stairmaster--is not guilt, but rather the serenity that comes from taking regular time for silent reflection, and the insight and power that comes from sharing with other women stories of how God works through our everyday lived experiences.

The titles of these Lenten programs often echo themes of what has come to be called "Celtic spirituality"--the sacredness of all of life, the meaning in suffering, the value of silence and mystery. That this ancient wisdom speaks to Internet-surfing, city-dwelling women and men of the 21st century is a testament to the power of its timeless truths--although unfortunately the popularity of the Celtic spirituality "craze" has sometimes watered down or trivialized it.

In "Celtic Crossovers" (pages 12-17), bestselling author Joyce Rupp gives us a primer on Celtic spirituality and suggests seven ways this ancient wisdom can help modern-day Catholics to connect with their Creator during the 40-day spiritual journey of Lent. The shamrock "ashes" on our cover are not meant to further the common misperception that Celtic spirituality is exclusively Irish. But perhaps in between the green beer and corned beef this St. Patrick's Day we can take a moment to thank the Irish for this spiritual legacy and incorporate parts of it into our own Lenten prayer and practice.

In "On the Road to Chimayo" (pages 30-34), powerful photographs tell the story of Catholics on another spiritual journey, a literal one to a shrine in New Mexico. This annual Holy Week pilgrimage also finds its roots in an ancient, pre-Christian culture, that of the indigenous Tewa Indians. And, once again, deep spiritual connections are made with the earth and all of creation.

If there is much to be learned from our ancestors, it is also true that even our seemingly crazy contemporary culture can connect us with the divine. Delle Chatman shares the spiritual lessons she's learned at the cineplex in "Confessions of a moviegoer" (pages 40-42). In Practicing Catholic (page 49), Catherine O'Connell-Cahill tells how her family finds pockets of prayerfulness during a Holy Thursday tour of local churches. And, finally, a challenge to the church and to young people preparing for marriage: In "Can this marriage ceremony be saved?" (pages 18-22) Abigail Kelly suggests planning a church wedding could be a more positive spiritual experience. Wherever your spiritual journey takes you this Lent, may the luck of the Irish--and the spirituality of the Celts--be with you!