LENT

The Meaning of the Word Lent The English word ‘Lent’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Lencten, meaning ‘Spring’. In other languages the word comes from the Latin, Quadragesima – a period of 40 days. In the Christian tradition the forty days is understood to refer to a time of intense prayer and preparation; we remember the biblical stories of Noah and the flood of 40 days, the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness and Christ’s forty day fast in the desert in preparation for his earthly ministry.

Lent is the season of preparation before Easter. It is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice in preparation of the celebration of Easter. In the desire to renew the liturgical practices of the Church. Lent commences on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday.