Catholic Lent is the 40 day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. It is celebrated by Roman Catholics, Orthodox churches, and also some Protestant denominations. Orthodox churches are the most “strict” whereas the Roman Catholic church has relaxed some of its Lent protocols; Protestants tend to assign more significance to the holy days within Lent rather than the entire season itself. The 40 day period is derived from a time that Jesus spent the same amount of days Jesus spent in the wilderness alone and without food; he resisted Satan many times.

Lent is a time of self sacrifice, penitence, and fasting. In earlier times, people actually fasted to a greater extent than they do now. Today, “fasting” in the Catholic church during Lent means avoiding meat on Fridays and Ash Wednesday and/or eating smaller meals during a shorter time frame each day. It is because of this fasting that the idea of Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) came about. In preparation for a significant fast, people wanted to clear their homes of sweets, alcohol, and other rich/tempting foods so that they were more easily able to stick to simple eating during lent. They’d imbibe in those forbidden foods that they were cleaning out the day before Lent.

Catholic Lent is a time of simplicity in preparation for Easter. Catholics are asked to reflect and repent and focus only on those things that matter. It is truly a step towards a stronger faith in God.

The simplicity of Catholic Lent is reflected in the way the Church looks and mass is celebrated. Purple is the color of Lent and there are often violet Lent banners to signal the season (priests will also wear this shade). The Lent banners, despite the vibrant color, reflect the quiet poignancy of the season by displaying a plain cross or crown of thorns. Beyond the Lent banners, most churches keep the sanctuary exceedingly simple. Flowers, for example, are not allowed for nearly all of Lent. Additional adornment is kept to a minimum and even unnecessary or especially joyful music is avoided. During the Easter service, the Lent banners and simple decor give way to Risen Christ banners and a glorious amount of adornments.

At St. Patrick’s Guild, we offer a wide selection of Catholic lent gifts and books for that special person in your life. Check out our selection online today or contact us so we can better assist you.