F.A.Q.

Why Do Catholics Give Up Something for Lent?

Lent is the primary penitential season in the Church year, reflecting the forty days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying. "By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert" (Catechism of the Catholic Chruch, 540).

Giving something up is one way to express sorrow for what we have done wrong. And, the penance we do during the season helps us to appreciate God’s gifts all the more.


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