Lent refers to the period of liturgical year that begins from Ash Wednesday and lasts up to Easter Sunday. The main purpose of this tradition is to prepare Catholics for the commemoration of the resurrection of Christ through prayer, repentance, self-denial, and works of mercy. This 40-day period is also an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on their lives as Christians and to ask forgiveness for their wrongdoings. It is during this time that people also thank Jesus for his sacrifice. They engage in sacrificial rituals to commemorate the hardships that Jesus endured to save mankind from the original sin and to purify their souls from sins. Catholics celebrate lent through the following:

Confession

Since lent is a time for asking for forgiveness, it is the ideal time for Catholics to confess their sins. Confession, which is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, is to be done every year. It’s important to prepare for confession so that you’re able to ask penance for all the sins you’ve committed from the previous year.

Fasting

Fasting is required for all Catholics from 18 to 59 years old. It means that you can only consume one main meal and two smaller meals on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Snacks in between those meals are not allowed. Fasting is a form of sacrifice that reminds people about the sufferings of Jesus Christ.

Abstinence

Abstinence is similar to fasting in that it involves dietary sacrifice. But in this one, Catholics over the age of 14 years old are not allowed to eat any meat every Friday during the Lent. Even foods that are made of meat cannot be eaten as well. This is to pay respect and honor for the sacrifice of Jesus when he gave his own flesh for the salvation of our souls and forgiveness of our sins.

Acts of mercy

It is also during the lent that people are encouraged even more to engage in acts of mercy. Of course, these acts of mercy can be done all year round. These actions include feeding of the hungry, giving drinks to the thirsty, clothing the naked, giving shelter to the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead.

Spiritual acts of mercy

There are also what are called spiritual acts of mercy and these are admonishing the sinner, directing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, bearing mistakes patiently, forgiving mistakes of others, and praying for the living and the dead.