All articles tagged with #lent
In a presidential message, the First Lady and the President observe Ash Wednesday, describe Lent’s 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, connect these practices to America’s religious heritage, and extend wishes for a meaningful Lenten season ahead of Easter.
The Vatican releases the full text of Pope Leo XIV's Lent 2026 message, urging conversion through listening to God's word, fasting as self-denial that clarifies desires and speech, and a communal, justice-driven journey—calling the faithful to listen to the cries of the poor and of the Earth and to transform relationships in a civilization of love.
From Feb 22–27, Pope Leo XIV, Rome-based cardinals, and heads of dicasteries will hear two daily meditations led by Trappist Bishop Erik Varden in the Pauline Chapel, on the theme 'Illuminated by a Hidden Glory,' with reflections including Saint Bernard and topics like God’s help, freedom, truth, and hope; a brief bio of Varden notes his Norwegian origin, monastic leadership, and Vatican roles.
The Vatican announced Pope Leo XIV's schedule for January and February, including liturgies for the Conversion of St Paul, the Presentation of the Lord, and Ash Wednesday, along with participation in Lenten Spiritual Exercises and celebrations of key religious feasts.
McDonald's franchisee Lou Groen created the Filet-O-Fish sandwich in 1962 to attract Catholic customers abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent, leading to a quarter of its sales occurring during the 40 days of Lent. The sandwich, made of Alaskan pollock, remains popular year-round and is a testament to Groen's customer-first approach, outshining McDonald's founder Ray Kroc's alternative meatless idea, the Hula Burger.
Pope Francis celebrated the beginning of Lent with Mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, urging the faithful to heed Jesus' call to "return to the heart" by embracing the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He emphasized the importance of recognizing God's unconditional love and encouraged silent adoration and stripping away worldly trappings to focus on what is essential, ultimately calling for a return to God with all one's heart.
This year, Valentine's Day coincides with Ash Wednesday, a day of penitence and fasting in the Catholic tradition. For practicing Catholics, this presents a unique challenge as the day of love and indulgence clashes with the solemn reminder of human mortality. Many are navigating this juxtaposition by preparing for Valentine's Day celebrations while also making sacrifices for Lent, such as giving up sweets. The convergence of these two observances prompts reflection on the contrast between romantic love and the solemnity of the Lenten season.
The article discusses the observance of Valentine's Day and the upcoming Lenten season, as well as various news within the Catholic Church, including the potential impact of a federal rule change on foreign-born clergy, a Michigan priest convicted of financial crimes, criticism of Indian authorities by the head of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, and the Vatican's Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors preparing to publish its first annual report. Additionally, it highlights a project in the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, to build a rosary walk inspired by St. Kateri, emphasizing the importance of beauty and prayer in the Catholic faith.
On Feb. 14, which coincides with St. Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday this year, Catholic couples and spouses can observe both by emphasizing the importance of words, paying attention to details, spending time together, projecting themselves into the future, and doing something together for others. Brother Édgar Henríquez, a Chilean seminarian, suggests that couples pray together, show affection through simple gestures, spend quality time, renew their mutual promise, and engage in charitable acts as a way to observe both occasions in the best possible way.
With the Lenten season in full swing, many people in Greater Cleveland are seeking out the best fish fry specials, ranging from church and non-profit fundraisers to local restaurants and bars. While some establishments offer fish fries daily or year-round, others have specials on the six Fridays leading up to Easter, featuring a variety of fish options such as cod, catfish, haddock, walleye, and perch, along with a range of side dishes.
This year, Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day coincide, posing a dilemma for those observing both. Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer leading up to Easter. The date of Easter, and consequently Ash Wednesday, varies each year due to the lunar calendar. Church officials advise those observing Ash Wednesday to adhere to fasting rules, even if celebrating Valentine's Day, and suggest celebrating Valentine's Day on Mardi Gras, the day before Ash Wednesday.
Holy Thursday is a religious holiday that falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday and is part of Holy Week. It commemorates the Last Supper, which Jesus had with his 12 apostles before his arrest, crucifixion, and death on Good Friday. Holy Thursday is considered a holy day because it is when Jesus established the sacrament of Holy Communion. Lent, a period of reflection and sacrifice, typically involves fasting or giving up certain foods or activities for 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday. In the Catholic religion, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Thursday.
The Diocese of Fort Wayne and South Bend has announced that Catholics can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with corned beef by attending Holy Mass, reciting the rosary for intention of peace in the world, or spending 30 minutes of prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament instead of abstaining from eating meat during Lent. This commutation is meant to preserve the penitential spirit of a Lenten Friday while also allowing for the celebration of a great saint.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has granted a dispensation to Catholics allowing them to eat meat on St. Patrick's Day, which falls on a Friday during Lent, a day when Catholics are not supposed to eat meat. However, Catholics are encouraged to give up something else. All of New Jersey's dioceses are also making the exception.
Bishop Edward C. Malesic of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has granted a dispensation from the obligation to abstain from meat on St. Patrick's Day, which falls on a Friday during Lent. However, he asks those who exercise this dispensation to select another non-Friday day during Lent to abstain from eating meat or to make some offering on behalf of the poor. On the other hand, Malesic said that Catholics attending the Cleveland Guardian's home opener on Good Friday cannot be granted a dispensation to the practice of abstaining from meat as it is a day of reflection, fasting, prayer, and penance.