LENT IN CATHOLIC CHURCH

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Image of Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent
Image of Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent

By Edward Matulanya 

Learn about Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, fasting, almsgiving, and daily reflections according to the Catholic Church, with examples and lessons.

1. What Is Lent in the Catholic Church?

Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to prepare Catholics spiritually for Easter (Catholic Church, 1997; McBrien, 2011). For example; Catholics may attend Mass more frequently and reflect on their sins. The lesson is; lent teaches repentance, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. 

2. The History of Lent in Catholicism

Originating from early Christian baptism preparation, Lent evolved into a universal period of penance (Bradshaw & Johnson, 2014; Ratzinger, 2000). For example; early Christians fasted for 40 days before Easter baptism. The lesson is; tradition connects modern Catholics with the faith of the early Church. 

3. Start and End of Catholic Lenten Season of 2026

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, lasting 40 days excluding Sundays (USCCB, n.d.; Gelineau, 2010). For example; Ash Wednesday in 2026 is February 18; Easter Sunday is April 5. The lesson is; observing the liturgical calendar helps Catholics enter fully into Christ’s Passion. 

4. Ash Wednesday as the First Day of Lent

Marks the start of Lent; Catholics receive ashes as a symbol of repentance (Vatican, 2020; Chupungco, 2001). For example; Priest says, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The lesson is; reminds Catholics of human mortality and the need for God’s mercy. 

5. Fasting During Lent: Rules and Guidelines

Catholics aged 18–59 fast on Ash Wednesday and on Good Friday abstain from meat (Catholic Church, 1997; Burke, 2008).  For example; one main meal and two small meals on fasting days.  The lesson is; Fasting strengthens self-control and unites body and spirit. 

6. Abstinence From Meat on Lenten Fridays

Catholics abstain from eating meat on Good Friday of Lent as a form of penance (Burke, 2008; Holmes, 2018). For example; choosing fish, vegetables, or plant-based meals on Good Friday. The lesson is; abstinence fosters solidarity with the poor and self-discipline. 

7. Prayer During Lent, Deepening Your Faith

Prayer is central to Lent, helping Catholics reflect on their relationship with God (Murray, 2012; McBrien, 2011). For example; daily Holy Rosary, Lenten devotionals, or attending Mass. The lesson is; Consistent prayer draws Catholics closer to God. 

8. Almsgiving as Charity and Lenten Generosity

Giving to the needy is one of the three pillars of Lent (Catholic Church, 1997; Pelikan, 2003).  For example; donating money, volunteering, or helping the poor. The lesson is; teaches compassion and reminds Catholics of God’s generosity. 

9. Stations of the Cross as a Lenten Tradition

Devotion reflecting on 14 events of Jesus’ Passion (Holmes, 2018; Chupungco, 2001). For example; Parishes often hold public Stations every Friday in Lent. The lesson is; encourages empathy, gratitude, and meditation on Christ’s suffering. 

10. Lenten Reflections as Daily Meditations

Reflection on Sacred Scripture and spiritual practices helps growth during Lent (Gelineau, 2010; Ratzinger, 2000). For example; reading Matthew 4 (Jesus in the desert) daily. The lesson is; fosters spiritual maturity and mindfulness. 

11. Lenten Sacrament of Confession

Confession is encouraged during Lent to seek forgiveness and renewal (McBrien, 2011; Burke, 2008).  For example; attending the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter. The lesson is; confession restores spiritual health and deepens humility. 

12. Holy Week as the Culmination of Lent

The last week of Lent commemorates Jesus’ Passion and prepares for Easter (Ratzinger, 2000; Vatican, 2020). For example; Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday observances.  The lesson is; emphasizes the sacrifice of Christ and the hope of Resurrection. 

13. Palm Sunday as Jesus’ Triumphal Entry

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Catholics participate by blessing and waving palm branches, symbolizing welcoming Christ into their lives (Catholic Church, 1997).

14. Maundy Thursday as The Last Supper

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper and Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist. The ritual washing of feet reminds Catholics of humility and service (Chupungco, 2001).

15. Good Friday as The Crucifixion of Jesus

Good Friday observes the crucifixion of Jesus. Veneration of the Cross and reflection on Christ’s sacrifice inspire gratitude and meditation on redemption (Burke, 2008).

16. Holy Saturday as Waiting in Hope

Holy Saturday is a day of reflection as the Church meditates on Jesus in the tomb. The Easter Vigil begins after sundown, celebrating Christ’s resurrection and teaching patience and faith (Gelineau, 2010).

17. Easter Sunday as Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus, ending Lent. Catholics attend Mass and celebrate with family, embracing joy, hope, and spiritual renewal (Catholic Church, 1997).

18. Lenten Spiritual Exercises

Spiritual exercises such as meditation, journaling, or retreats are recommended to enhance faith and personal reflection during Lent (Murray, 2012).

19. Lenten Bible Readings and Scripture Study

Scripture study guides meditation and reflection. Daily readings from the Gospels deepen understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings (Pelikan, 2003).

20. Catholic Lenten Traditions Around the World

Different countries have unique Lenten customs. For example, Spain has processions, Poland has fish meals, and the Philippines practices fasting, showcasing global Catholic unity (National Catholic Register, 2021).

21. Lenten Music and Hymns

Music enhances meditation during Lent. Hymns like “Attende Domine” and “Were You There?” help Catholics reflect on penitence and Christ’s Passion (Holmes, 2018).

22. Lenten Art and Symbols

Symbols such as ashes, palms, and the color purple represent penance and reflection. Liturgical art reminds Catholics of spiritual truths throughout Lent (Chupungco, 2001).

23. Youth and Children’s Lenten Activities

Children are encouraged to participate in age-appropriate Lenten practices, like coloring, prayer journals, or small sacrifices, teaching compassion and devotion (Burke, 2008).

24. Lent and Personal Growth

Lent is an opportunity for self-improvement. Sacrifices like giving up social media, sweets, or extra spending help cultivate humility, self-control, and spiritual maturity (Murray, 2012).

25. Living the Spirit of Lent Beyond Easter

Lent is a lifelong call to conversion. Continuing prayer, charity, and self-discipline after Easter ensures that Lent’s lessons transform daily life (Ratzinger, 2000).

References

Bradshaw, P., & Johnson, M. (2014). The Origins of Christian Worship. London: SPCK.

Burke, R. (2008). Catholic Spiritual Practices: A Handbook for Lent and Easter. New York: Paulist Press.

Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Chupungco, A. J. (2001). Liturgical Inculturation: Sacramentals, Religiosity, and Catechesis. Liturgical Press.

Gelineau, J. (2010). The Liturgical Year: Reflections on the Catholic Calendar. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.

Holmes, J. (2018). Catholic Practices and Traditions. London: Continuum International Publishing Group.

McBrien, R. P. (2011). The Catholic Church: Handbook of Faith and Practice (2nd ed.). HarperOne.

Murray, P. (2012). Lent: A Guide to Spiritual Renewal. New York: Paulist Press.

National Catholic Register. (2021). How Catholics Observe Lent Around the World. Retrieved from https://www.ncregister.com/catholic-news/lent-around-the-world

Pelikan, J. (2003). Christianity and Classical Culture: The Metamorphosis of Natural Theology in the Christian Encounter with Hellenism. Yale University Press.

Ratzinger, J. (2000). Introduction to Christianity. Ignatius Press.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Lent 2026. Retrieved from https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/lent

Vatican. (2020). The Liturgical Year: Lent and Easter. Vatican.va. Retrieved from http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/documents/ns_liturgy_doc_20200217_lent_en.html

Becker, J., & Sweeney, K. (2015). Catholic Liturgical Practices: An Annotated Guide. New York: Paulist Press.

Foley, E. (2013). From Age to Age: How Christians Have Celebrated the Eucharist. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.

Hoge, D. R. (2016). Catholic Identity and Liturgy. New York: Routledge.

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