Lent: A Season of Penance, Prayer, and Renewal
Lent is the Church's 40-day retreat before Easter. Learn how to observe Lent properly and make this a time of spiritual transformation.
By CandleFaith Team
Lent is the Church's annual retreat—a time of renewal and preparation for Easter. The word "Lent" comes from the Old English word for "spring," evoking the theme of new life.
When is Lent?
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. It spans 46 days, but the 40 days of fasting (not counting Sundays) echo Christ's 40 days in the desert.
The Three Pillars of Lent
1. Prayer More than ever, Lent is a time to deepen our relationship with God: - Attend daily Mass if possible - Go to confession - Pray the Stations of the Cross - Read Scripture daily - Spend time in adoration
2. Fasting Fasting reminds us of our dependence on God and helps us grow in self-control: - Ash Wednesday: Fast and abstain from meat - All Fridays in Lent: Abstain from meat - Good Friday: Fast and abstain from meat
3. Almsgiving Almsgiving (charity) moves us beyond ourselves to serve others: - Give money to the poor - Volunteer your time - Share your talents - Perform secret acts of kindness - Forgive those who have wronged you
What to Give Up (or Take On)
Instead of just giving up chocolate or coffee, consider:
- Giving up: gossip, complaining, uncharitable thoughts, wasted time
- Taking on: prayerful habits, service to others, regular Mass attendance
The point isn't to suffer for suffering's sake—it's to die to self so Christ can live in us more fully.
The Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross commemorate Christ's journey from Pilate's judgment to His burial. Many parishes offer this devotion on Fridays during Lent.
Don't Be Discouraged
If you fail at your Lenten resolutions, don't give up! What matters is getting back up and continuing to try.
Light a candle during Lent as a sign of your commitment to grow in faith.