Lent
What is Lent? Catechesis to understand this special time of the Church 🌷🙏
Lent is a very important liturgical time for us Catholics. It invites us to a path of conversion, penance, prayer and charity , preparing our hearts for the celebration of Easter , when we commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 🎉✝️
🌿 What does the word "Lent" mean?
The word "Lent" comes from the Latin quadragesima , which means forty . This number has great symbolic value in Sacred Scripture, representing a time of preparation, testing and purification:
- Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert before beginning his mission (Matthew 4:2). 🌬️
- The people of Israel walked 40 years through the desert towards the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:2). 🌱
- The flood lasted 40 days and 40 nights in the story of Noah (Genesis 7:12). 🌊
Thus, the 40 days of Lent invite us to walk a path of spiritual renewal, reminding us of the need for conversion and of God's merciful love. 🌹❤️
⏰ When does Lent start and end in 2025?
In 2025 , Lent has the following important dates:
🔹 Start: Ash Wednesday - March 5, 2025
On this day, we receive ashes on our foreheads as a sign of humility and a reminder that we are dust and to dust we will return (Genesis 3:19). 💔✝️
🔹 End: Holy Thursday (before the Mass of the Lord's Supper) - April 17, 2025
Lent ends at the beginning of the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday evening, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday), which is the culmination of our faith. 💖⛰️
In total, there are 40 days of preparation (not counting Sundays, which are considered "weekly Easters"). 🌇✨
🙏 How to live Lent well?
The Church guides us to practice three great pillars during Lent:
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Prayer: Intensify your prayer life, attend Mass, pray the Rosary and seek moments of silence to listen to God. 🌇🙏
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Fasting and Penance: Give up something you enjoy and practice self-control. Fasting is a means of purification and greater dependence on God. 🍔🍳
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Charity: Give to your brothers and sisters! Small gestures of love make a big difference. Help those in need and be a sign of hope. 💖✨
🌸 Why is Lent important?
Lent is an invitation to look within ourselves, recognizing our weaknesses and trusting in God's mercy. It is not only a time of renunciation, but a time of rediscovering the love of Christ who gave himself for us. 🌿❤️
By preparing our hearts well during these 40 days, we celebrate Easter with greater joy and depth! 🎉✝️
May this Lent of 2025 be a time of grace, conversion and much peace for you! 🌇✨
