Lent is a liturgical season in which Catholics dedicate 40 days of fasting, almsgiving, and prayer in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. The season begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in the Holy Week. During the season, the faithful are called to practice abstinence and penance in the journey of seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord.
With the tradition of Catholics to abstain from eating meat on Fridays of Lent, the faithful are also called to abstain from a luxurious lifestyle and fast from worldly cravings throughout the season. The faithful are also called to practice more sharing the grace of God by giving alms to those in need. Through reflection with the Word of God, the faithful are able to deepen their prayer life during the season.
During Lent, Catholics devote more time to pray the Stations of the Cross, also called the Way of the Cross or Via Crucis. Through its stations showing the sorrowful scenes of Christ’s sufferings and death, the faithful are brought to a journey with Christ in His Passion.
Catholics are invited to receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation in sincere repentance of sins to reconcile with the Lord. This as well helps the faithful to prepare spiritually throughout the season.
REFERENCE:
What is Lent?: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/lent
Way of the Cross: https://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=12231
