Lent

Lent is a time for turning again to the practice of our faith - in prayer, self-denial (fasting) and practical generosity (almsgiving).

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Lent is a 40-day fast — a reference to the time Jesus spent being tempted in the desert. It’s a time when we can prepare our hearts for the remembrance of Christ’s death. Our observance of Lent culminates in the solemn celebrations of Holy Week when on Palm Sunday we follow Christ from his triumphant entrance into Jerusalem to the foot of the Cross as sorrowful bystanders to His Passion, before rolling back the stone of the empty tomb and the joy of the Resurrection.

The six-week period is dedicated to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for this great celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery in the Easter Triduum.

Lent is a spiritual springtime. It’s a joyful season, as the Roman Liturgy puts it, a time when God wants to give us new grace and new life.

Rt Rev. Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth

You can read Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2023 here.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the doorway into this season of renewal. It is celebrated this year on Wednesday, 22 February.

CAFOD’s online Lent calendar 2023

Our beautiful Lenten prayers and reflections offer you the opportunity to reflect on your own or in your parish.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent - a time for prayer, self-denial (fasting) and practical generosity (almsgiving).

Lenten Reflections

A series of reflections for Lent begining on Ash Wednesday then focusing on the Sundays of Lent.

Stations of the Cross in Prisons and Parishes

We look forward to the voices of prisoners and their families being heard in parishes making the Stations of the Cross in many parts of England & Wales.

Stella Maris Lent Appeal

This Lent, as we remember how Our Lady grieved the loss of her son, we ask that you consider supporting bereaved seafarers, fishermen, and their family members.

Catholic Union launches Lenten Appeal
God Who Speaks Video: Jesus Washing Peter’s Feet

Watch the God who Speaks video of Jesus’ humble act of washing his disciples’ feet before he is crucified.

Previous Resources for Lent

Our offices, agencies and dioceses offer content to help your spiritual journey through Lent 2022. Here we provide links to some of those resources.

Lent in 2022

As well as the important spiritual instruments of Lent – prayer, self-denial (fasting) and practical generosity (almsgiving) there is a twin focus for 2022

Lent and Easter at the Movies

As we travel on a journey of faith through Christ's passion, death and resurrection, this audio series, Lent and Easter at the Movies, relates a series of films to the day's Gospel reading.