Lent

Lent is the liturgical season observed the 40 days before the Easter Triduum. This time is used in preparation for the Easter celebration of the Resurrection of Christ.

Preparation is made through penance, such as fasting and abstinence, as well as greater devotion to prayer and study. A Church prescribed fast (one meal a day) and abstinence from flesh-meat is mandatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Abstinence from flesh-meat is mandatory on all Fridays throughout the season.

For personal penance, one might choose a worldly amenity from which to abstain, or a particular devotion to devote more time. While many feel that Lent is just legalism the Church imposes on its body, the purpose of Lent is to focus on spiritual formation through mortification and concentrated prayer and comtemplation.

Changes in the liturgy are a more solemn tone and abstinence from certain parts such as the Gloria.
For a more in-depth article on Lent, visit New Advent’s Lent entry.

~Sancto Francisco, ora pro nobis~