Lent
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The Season of Lent
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Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday. In 2027, Lent runs from February 10 to March 24. It is a season of prayer, reflection and renewal that helps Catholics prepare for Easter, when we celebrate Christ’s Passion, death and Resurrection.The three pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through prayer, small sacrifices and acts of charity, we make room for God and grow closer to Christ.
Lent is also connected to those preparing to enter the Church at Easter through baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist. For all Catholics, it is a reminder of the gift of baptism and the call to live as followers of Christ.
In his Lenten message, Pope Leo XIV described Lent as a time to put God back at the center of our lives, renew our faith and follow Christ on the road to Jerusalem.
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History of Lent
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Christians have observed a season of preparation before Easter since the early Church, though the length and practices varied over time. In 325, the Council of Nicaea helped set the date of Easter as the Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. By the sixth century, Lent had taken shape as a 40-day season of prayer and fasting. Ash Wednesday was later added, bringing the season to 46 calendar days; Sundays are not counted among the 40 days of fasting.
Lenten fasting has changed over the centuries. Early practices were much stricter, often allowing only one meal a day and avoiding many foods. Today, Catholics are asked to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent.
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FAQs
- Why do we have penitential seasons?
- What are the current rules for Lent?
- Why purple?
- Why don’t we sing the Gloria or say Alleluia during Lent?
- What is Laetare Sunday?
- What are the Scrutinies? Why do they have different readings?
- Why 40 days?
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Why do we have penitential seasons?Jesus spent 40 days in the desert praying and preparing for his public ministry. Penitential seasons give us a similar opportunity to step back from daily routines, look honestly at our lives and turn back to God through prayer, repentance and good works.
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What are the current rules for Lent?
Catholics age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. Abstinence means not eating meat from land animals. Fridays are set aside in a special way because Jesus died for us on Good Friday.
Catholics ages 18 through 59 fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means eating one full meatless meal. Two smaller meals may also be eaten, but together they should not equal another full meal. Those who are ill, pregnant, nursing or have health needs are not required to fast.
These practices are not meant to be empty rules. They help us refocus our hearts and minds on God.
Lent also invites us to pray more intentionally, fast from habits that pull us away from God and give generously to those in need.
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Why purple?Purple is the liturgical color of Lent. It is associated with repentance, humility and preparation. It also recalls the suffering of Jesus, who was dressed in a purple robe before his crucifixion.
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Why don’t we sing the Gloria or say Alleluia during Lent?
The Gloria and Alleluia are joyful words of praise. During Lent, the Church sets them aside so the season feels more prayerful and penitential.
Their return at Easter helps us experience the joy of the Resurrection more fully.
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What is Laetare Sunday?Laetare Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. The word “Laetare” means “rejoice.” On this day, the Church offers a note of encouragement in the middle of Lent. Rose-colored vestments may be worn, and flowers may be used as a sign of hope as Easter draws closer.
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What are the Scrutinies? Why do they have different readings?
The Scrutinies are special prayers and rites celebrated on the third, fourth and fifth Sundays of Lent for the Elect, who are preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil. The Church prays that they will be strengthened in Christ and protected from sin and temptation.
The readings used with the Scrutinies highlight important images of conversion: the Samaritan woman and living water, the man born blind and Christ as light, and Lazarus and the promise of new life.
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Why 40 days?The number 40 appears often in Scripture as a time of preparation and testing. Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai, and Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before beginning his ministry. During Lent, the Church spends 40 days preparing for Easter.