LENTEN: THE 40 SOLEMN CHRISTIAN SEASON DAYS

Photo: Cynthia Piercy

Introduction

Kwaresma na, as a Pre-Dominant Christian Country, the Philippines had individualized traditions during lent.

Behind the Lent

Lent is a 40-day solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical year intended to prepare believers for Easter through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert while being tempted by Satan. In the Western Christian tradition (Catholic and most Protestant), the 2026 Lenten season begins on February 18 and concludes on April 2 or April 4, leading into Easter Sunday on April 5. 

Lenten practice is built on three core spiritual disciplines: Focusing on seeking God's forgiveness and deepening one's relationship with Him(Prayer), Catholics aged 18–59 fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (one full meal, two smaller snacks), and those 14 and older abstain from meat on all Lenten Fridays (Fasting & Abstinence), Performing acts of charity and donating to those in need to share God's gifts with others (Almsgiving).

Tradition

Many Christians choose to voluntarily sacrifice a luxury or pleasure (e.g., chocolate, social media) to foster self-discipline. Violet or purple is used for vestments and altar cloths to symbolize penance, humility, and the suffering of Christ. Pope Leo XIV has urged the faithful to practice a "fast" from hurtful words, encouraging "disarming" language to promote hope and peace. 

Reference

Eng, F. (n.d.). What Is Lent All About, and Why Is It Important? | Cru. Cru.org. https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent/what-is-lent-about-and-why-is-it-important.html

‌What Is Lent: Honoring the Sacrifice of Jesus. (n.d.). Crosswalk.com. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/lent-101-honoring-the-sacrifice-of-jesus-1382259.html

‌The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2019). Lent | Definition, History, & Practices | Britannica. In Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lent

‌News, V. (2026, February 13). Pope’s Lenten message: Abstain from harsh words and rash judgement. Vaticannews.va; Vatican News. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-02/pope-leo-xiv-lent-2026-message-disarm-words-embrace-peace.html

‌A Complete Guide to Catholic Lent 2025 | Dynamic Catholic. (2025). Dynamiccatholic.com. https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/lent/about-lent.html

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