LENT BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2023
Ash Wednesday, Begin Lenten Preparation for the Easter Triduum, Not a Holy Day of Obligation, Day of Fast (Ages 18-59) and Abstinence from Meat (Age 14 and Up)
First Reading: Joel 2: 12-18
12 Now therefore saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning.
13 And rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil.
14 Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God?… Read More
⇒ Click here to read the Catholic Daily Mass Reading for today!
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period from Ash Wednesday and before Easter. It is marked by praying, fasting, abstinence, and other acts of penance.
⇒ During this time, a fast in terms of abstinence from food, is defined by one meal a day, and two smaller meals which if added together would not exceed one full meal.
⇒ Abstinence is defined as refraining from eating meat. Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl.
⇒ Days of abstinence include Ash Wednesday, All Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday.
⇒ Catholics from age 14 upwards are mandated to participate. However, the sick are excused from fasting.
⇒ Fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are essential to Lent. Please be generous to Catholic charities. Try to go out without luxuries during the 40 days. Save them for Easter.
⇒ Remember that Sundays are not included in the 40 days, and Solemnities and Feasts are also not fasting days.
⇒ Read a spiritual book day-by-day during Lent.
⇒ Read a passage from one of the Gospel each day. Click Here to read the daily Mass Reading
⇒ Recite the Rosary every day.
⇒ Come to Mass during the Week, not just on Sundays.
⇒ Make the Stations of the Cross.
⇒ Make a daily visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
⇒ COme to the extra services and devotions provided.
⇒ Make an effort to do something extra (and good).
⇒ Above all, ask God for the help you need to make a good Confession before Easter.
⇒ Click here to read the Catholic Daily Mass Reading for today!
