What is Lent?

Author: By Eli Pacheco

Date Published: February 12, 2026

Lent is a solemn period lasting 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Saturday. This period precedes Easter Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout Lent, Christians partake in reflective practices to ready themselves spiritually for Easter. 

What are the three pillars of Lent? 

Almsgiving 

Almsgiving, mentioned throughout the Gospels and especially during Lent, involves aiding the poor and performing charitable deeds. 

Fasting  

Catholics are expected to fast, meaning they eat just one main meal and two smaller ones, and avoid meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Refraining from meat is also required each Friday during Lent. Catholics often choose to give up or fast from behaviors or attitudes that harm their relationship with God or others during Lent. They sometimes fast from activities that are unhealthy. 

Prayer 

Prayer and reading Scripture encourage a connection with God and understanding of Christ’s sacrifice. Tools like our Gospel reflection series support prayer during Lent. 

Did you know ...  

Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday and is traditionally a time for confession and feasting ahead of Lent. 

How did Lent originate? 

Lent began following the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD as a 40-day period of fasting, repentance and reflection leading to the baptisms of new Christians on Easter. Although practices varied among different regions and churches, fasting was a common feature. Typically, people eat only one meal after 3 p.m., avoiding dairy products, fish and meat. 

Did you know? 

In 601 AD, Pope Gregory I moved Lent’s start date to 46 days before Easter, and he started the tradition of marking foreheads with the shape of a cross on Ash Wednesday. He changed the beginning of Lent so there would be 40 days of fasting before Easter (the six Sundays of Lent are feast days, with no fasting required). 

What are common practices during Lent? 

During Lent, Catholics pray, read Scripture, give alms and fast. Here are some activities to consider initiating or increasing this Lent: 

  • Serve someone in need 

  • Practice gratitude 

  • Pray for others 

  • Read Lenten devotionals 

  • Show kindness 

  • Study scripture 

  • Volunteer 

Here are some more ways to observe Lent: 

Consider the commandments 

Celebrating the Sabbath during Lent is simple. By strengthening your daily connection with God, Sundays become a time to honor that bond through, rest, reflection and worship. 

Look to Lenten scripture  

Jesus responded to Satan's temptations with Scripture, relying on guidance from the Psalms in particular. 

Pray the Stations of the Cross 

This Lenten custom began in the late 1200s, and Franciscans played a key role in popularizing the tradition of reflecting on Christ’s passion and death. 

When does Lent take place in 2026?  

Lent starts on Feb. 18, 2026, with Ash Wednesday and lasts 46 days, including Sundays, ending at sunset on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026.  

Lent dates 2026 

  • Shrove Tuesday (Feb. 17) 

  • Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18)  

  • Palm Sunday (March 29)  

  • Holy Monday (March 30)  

  • Holy Wednesday (April 1)  

  • Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (April 2)  

  • Good Friday – Passion of the Lord (April 3)  

  • Holy Saturday (April 4)  

  • Easter Sunday – Resurrection of the Lord (April 5)  

Did you know? 

The color violet is used throughout Lent, symbolizing mourning for Jesus's death and joy in his resurrection. 

Lenten resources 

Lent with the Saints: (Daily Reflections) – Recommended reading  

Br. Greg Friedman, OFM, has composed daily Lenten meditations on forgiveness, hope and repentance, each connected with a scripture reading for spiritual growth. The book provides daily prayers and actions for Lent. You will learn from: 

  • St. Augustine  

  • St. Damien of Molokai  

  • St. Gianna Molla  

  • St. Clare  

  • St. Francis of Assisi  

  • St. Teresa of Calcutta  

  • Thomas Merton  

[BUY LENT WITH THE SAINTS]  

Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent  

Br. Richard Rohr, OFM, provides a guide for spiritual growth and deeper connection with Christ during Lent. 

[BUY WONDROUS ENCOUNTERS: SCRIPTURE FOR LENT]  

Frequently asked questions 

What does the Bible say about Lent? 

Lent began in the fourth century AD and is not mentioned in the Bible. It relates to Jesus' 40 days of fasting (Matthew 4:1-11) and stresses reflection, repentance and preparation for Easter. Although Matthew 6:16-18 encourages fasting, Lent focuses on grace rather than earning it through sacrifice. 

Are Lent and Advent the same thing? 

Lent and Advent are violet-symbolized liturgical times of preparation: Lent is the 40-period before Easter and involves penitence, fasting and abstinence, while Advent takes place four weeks before Christmas and is a season of joyful anticipation. 

Is Lent like Ramadan? 

While Christianity and Islam observe significant fasting periods, the two religions differ in other respects. Muslims fast daily from dawn to dusk in Ramadan, while Catholics are asked to avoid meat on select days such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday during Lent and fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. 

‹ Previous