In the early Christian church, Lent was initially observed over six weeks, totaling 36 days, during which fasting was practiced except on Sundays. In the 7th century, the duration was extended to ...

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by many Christians in preparation for Easter. This represents the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert ...

Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and giving, held in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. This year, Lent begins on March 5 and ends on April 17.

In 2024, Easter arrived early in the season, falling on Sunday, March 31. Since Lent's dates are governed by when Easter is, last year's Lenten season was also early, beginning on Feb. 14.

When is Lent in 2025? Last year, Lent began on Wednesday, Feb. 14 and ended on Thursday, March 28. In 2025, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 4 and ends on Thursday, April 17.

Lent always begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year fell on March 5, 2025. During Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on a worshipper's forehead in the shape of the cross.

Msgr. Charles Pope Msgr. Charles Pope is currently a dean and pastor in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, where he has served on the Priest Council, the College of Consultors, and the Priest ...

The Vatican says that Pope Francis has increased his physical activity, called the Catholic parish priest in Gaza and marked the start of Lent by receiving ashes on his forehead.

It's also referred to as "Shrove Tuesday," coming from the practice of "shriving," which means purifying oneself through confession before lent, according to the Almanac. When is Easter 2025? This ...