What is Lent?

Is fasting and prayer important?

What should you avoid eating during this time?

Lent is a significant period for millions of Catholics and other Christians around the world.

This period, lasting 40 days, is based on three spiritual pillars: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

It usually lasts for about seven weeks, during which the faithful immerse themselves in reflection, charity and personal sacrifices.

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A time for charity

What is Lent-Photo: Shutterstock

People of faith perform acts of charity in preparation for the joyful celebration of the resurrection of Christ, which occurs on Easter Sunday.

One simple way to observe this aspect of Lent is through the Rice Bowl program offered by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Catholic families in the United States can use the CRS Rice Bowl, a small cardboard box for receiving alms, as a symbol for their charity donations.

Each box comes with a calendar that guides families through the 40 days of Lent, according to Opus Dei.

The time of Lent

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There are many activities, recipes and stories that embody the spiritual experience of the Lenten period.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates in Holy Week, also known as the Great Week in the Christian tradition.

After Lent comes the Paschal Triduum, which covers Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday — days commemorating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

It is an opportune time for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimage, fasting and almsgiving.

Spiritual preparation for Lent

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Abstaining from meat is a common practice on Fridays during Lent, unless they coincide with solemnities, according to CRS Rice Bowl.

Likewise, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence for the Catholic faithful, marking the importance of penance and reflection in this sacred time.

The essence of Lent lies in spiritual preparation, so the faithful focus on not consuming any kind of red meat.

Just as an athlete prepares for an important competition, Catholics prepare for the key events of Holy Week through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Strengthening the relationship with Christ

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These acts lead to deep introspection and the strengthening of the relationship with God and neighbor, regardless of the geographical location of the latter.

Moreover, Lent is a time of personal and spiritual growth — a period dedicated to mercy and compassion.

Many branches of Christianity — such as Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Eastern Lutheran — observe this holiday differently.

The Great Lent is observed continuously for 40 days, starting on Clean Monday and ending on Lazarus Saturday before Holy Week.

A spiritual journey towards renewal

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During this time, Christians commit to acts of penance and reflection, consolidating their faith and preparing for the celebration of Easter.

Lent is a deeply meaningful period in the Christian liturgical calendar, according to CRS Rice Bowl.

Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the faithful embark on a spiritual journey, according to Opus Dei.

This journey culminates in the renewal and celebration of life and hope symbolized by the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.