Lent, a holy time of preparation, begins Feb. 22
By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor 

Lent is the 40-day penitential season of preparation for the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter, which falls this year on April 9.  It begins on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday with the beginning of the paschal Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday — April 6-8). 

Pope Francis has said, “Lent is a path: it leads us to the triumph of mercy over all that would crush us or reduce us to something unworthy of our dignity as God’s children.” 

Lent is a time to read Scripture, attend daily Mass, and practice self-control by giving alms, fasting, or doing an act of charity. Moreover, Lent is not totally about abstaining from certain foods and luxuries, but is about seeking a true inner conversion of heart. 

Here, therefore, are the Lenten regulations: 

All the Christian faithful are urged to develop and maintain a voluntary program of self-denial (in addition to the Lenten regulations that follow), serious prayer, and performing deeds of charity and mercy, including the giving of alms. 

Abstinence — Everyone 14 years of age and over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and all Fridays of Lent. 

Fasting — Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 is required to fast on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22) and on Good Friday (April 7).  On these two days of fast and abstinence, only one full meatless meal is permitted. Two other meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each person’s needs, but together these should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids (including milk and fruit juices) are allowed.

Remember, to disregard completely the law of fast and abstinence is seriously sinful.  

2023 Lenten calendar - Please support the Rice Bowl and Catholic Relief Services (CRS)