Lent is a 40-day fast – a reference to the time Jesus spent being tempted in the desert. It is a time when we can prepare our hearts to remember the death of Christ. Our observance of Lent culminates in the solemn celebrations of Holy Week when, on Palm Sunday, we follow Christ from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the foot of the Cross as sorrowful spectators of his Passion, before rolling the stone of the empty tomb and the joy of the Resurrection.
The six-week period is devoted to prayer, fasting and almsgiving in preparation for this great celebration of the paschal mystery of Christ in the Paschal Triduum.
Lent is a time to reset our habits so that there is time for God in our hearts and in our weekly routines. You know well that the highest form of prayer is the celebration of the Eucharist. It is here, above all, that the Lord wants to fill us with his gifts, so that we can, in turn, offer these gifts to others. And then, when we give what we have received, we bring that precious light of Christ into our world.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols
You can read Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2022 here.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the gateway to this season of renewal. It is celebrated this year on Wednesday, March 2.
Lent in 2022
In addition to the important spiritual instruments of Lent – prayer, self-denial (fasting), and practical generosity (almsgiving), there is a dual focus this year.
Back to church
During the past two years of the pandemic, our way of life has been severely restricted. We were in “lockdown”. At one time, for three months, even the doors of our churches were firmly closed. Not being able to enter the House of God and participate fully in the celebration of Mass was, for many, an experience of real dismay and pain. Describing Christ as the “best antidote” to the darkness of the pandemic, the loneliness it has brought and the lack of clear hope for the future, Cardinal Vincent Nichols called on the Catholic community to help those who have returned to church and may have fallen into another Sunday pattern.
“We are once again able to shape the lifestyle we choose. The doors of our churches can be left wide open. Yet, as you know, many have not picked up the pattern of coming to church week after week. Other activities filled this space. For some, the thirst to be at Mass, to celebrate life-giving sacraments, has diminished.
“This is where I ask for your help. I would like you to be prepared to approach those you know, who are not here today, with a word of invitation to join us. I I know it’s not easy. You might just feel like it’s an intrusive thing to do. Plus, stepping into church can be intimidating for someone who’s been away for a long time. I therefore asks you to show great deference and kindness when you approach them, perhaps offering to accompany them on this return journey.
“I make this request now not only because fear and restrictions are eased, but because we are approaching Lent, the traditional and powerful season of our renewal in faith. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, we respond to the invitation from the Lord to come and meet him again.He invites us to cross the doors of the church to stand before him and receive his blessing, his mark of mercy.
Prayer and fasting for peace
Pope Francis has invited the Catholic faithful to March 2, Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer and fasting for peace: “I particularly encourage believers to devote themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on this day. May the Queen of Peace save the world from the madness of war,” he said.
Naturally, the main focus right now is Ukraine. Many bishops and priests will pray on Ash Wednesday in their cathedrals and churches for peace in Ukraine.
