Lent 2021
There’s new grass on the field, and hope for humanity
A man after our own heart, Jesuit Father Rick Malloy, hopes for a World Series championship for the 2021 Phillies. Baseball fans know all about Lent's call for patient endurance and the promise of salvation.
To enter the kingdom of God, we first enter the desert
Msgr. Joseph Prior unpacks the image of a journey to describe our 40 days in Lent. The journey helps us renew our hope, strengthen our faith and bolster our love, in a desert state of mind.
Growing our hearts this Lent through a ‘spiritual game plan’
Prayer, fasting, almsgiving, sacred music and devotion to St. Joseph can provide powerful nourishment for souls seeking a closer walk with Christ, writes poet Lindsay Weishar.
Becoming a missionary disciple through Lent
Shifting our gaze from ourselves to the world in need around us, and from those closest to us to those furthest away, is at the heart of preparing for Easter, and for spreading the Gospel.
Lent turns us inside out to set us straight
Preparing for Easter isn't a march of misery or an exercise in willpower, but a chance to find lasting joy by learning not to pick and choose our crosses, writes Gina Christian.
Throughout these 40 days
As Christians begin Lent this Ash Wednesday, CatholicPhilly.com presents a host of resources to make your journey through this season one of deeper faith and union with Christ.
Pope Francis’ Lenten message: A time to renew faith, hope, love
"Every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving," the pope writes. "The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ."
Rules for fasting and abstinence during Lent
Fasting and abstinence are central practices of Christians' Lenten observance. Read the U.S. Bishops' regulations for both practices in the Latin Rite Catholic Church.
Keeping the fast is more about a battle of spirit than food
Father Daniel Merz points out seven reasons in Christian tradition for fasting -- and losing weight isn't one of them. Fasting is how the Christian recovers one's true spiritual nature.
This Lent, learn about life from one of the saints
Lent is good time for making a connection with a saint -- including Blessed Stanley Rother -- who can provide the inspiration to follow the Gospel and live for the kingdom of God.