About this Project:
I felt called by God to begin this project right around the time when the Sunday Gospel was about Adam and Eve this past fall. Whether it be the modern feminism movement or the push for red pilled men, our society is constantly driving men and women apart and degrading the beautiful Sacrament of Marriage. This project has three main objectives: 1) Grow in relationship with God 2) Grow in relationship with the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph 3) Grow in relationship with each other. My hope is that men and women can follow the example of the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph, and in doing so, become more like Christ. God made us out of love, and we are to love one another because of God’s great love for us. I hope that you enjoy this journey and that it will be abundantly fruitful.
Sincerely,
Trey Varley
“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, in does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
Q and A:
What is the timeframe?
The 40 days will begin on December 9, 2024 and end on January 17, 2024. If you would like to start after December 9 you are encouraged to do so! You do not have to make up prayers for any missed days. Just begin the journey right alongside everyone else and you will end on January 17 regardless if that is a full 40 days for you.
What reflection questions do I use on days 11-40?
You will see that questions 1-5 are the same as 6-10. The questions will continue to repeat every 5 days for the length of the whole 40 days. This is done intentionally so you can see how your interactions with men and women grow and change over the 40 days.
Why 40 days?
40 days is a symbolic number in the Bible. It is the time that Jesus fasted in the desert and the length of Noah’s flood. According to the USCCB “Forty is typically indicative of a time of testing, trial, penance, purification, and renewal.” This is a time to change the way you interact with men and women by looking at yourself and examining your behavior.
“Why Is Lent 40 Days?” USCCB, www.usccb.org/resources/why-lent-40-days#:~:text=Forty%20is%20typically%20indicative%20of,public%20ministry%2C%20proclaiming%20the%20Gospel. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.
What are the Vocations for men and women that the Prayers refer to?
The Vocations for Men are: Single, Married, Priest, and Deacon or Religious. The Vocations for Women are: Single, Married, and Religious or Consecrated Life. It is very important to pray that we all accept God’s calling for our lives and open our hearts to whatever plan He has in store for us.
What is a Litany and how do I pray it?
A Litany is beautiful prayer that contains a repetitive theme. For example, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary is about requesting The Blessed Mother’s intercession through her many different titles. To pray the Litany simply read the first line (Lord, have mercy) and then respond with the italicized words directly underneath (Christ, have Mercy). This process will be repeated until the final prayer is said (Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God . . .) at which point the Litany will end. The Litany can be prayed by oneself or with someone else.
Why are the specific prayers chosen?
The prayers are intended to mirror one another. For example, the Memorare and the Memorare to Saint Joseph are very similar in structure. This is to emphasize the unity aspect of the prayers. They also have specific intentions. For example, the Apostles’ Creed is said at the beginning of each day so we wake up and commit ourselves to the Lord and the Church’s teachings. The rest of the Prayers are asking for the intercession of The Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph because they are our role models of how we can live as good men and women for God.
How can I get more information or other questions answered?
You can contact Trey Varley by emailing him at wtv5008@psu.edu for any and all questions.
To read the booklet for the 40 Days for One Life in Christ, open the PDF here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ae9TqwyLURRRWaStExz-bb_5P1T4QS2u/view
To learn more about Bishop William Waltersheid, visit the Diocese of Pittsburgh website here:
While this Litany is not part of the 40 days it is an excellent prayer for anyone who struggles with the sin of lust, which degrades our relationships with the men/women in our lives: https://www.echocommunity.us/uploads/2/3/9/3/23935933/english_loc_-_digital_version.png