Lent

The Latest

A priest holds palms on Palm Sunday.

These are the most popular FAQs about Palm Sunday — and their answers

Apr 1, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Here is a list of the most popular questions about Palm Sunday and their answers. Read more

Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN.

Why the Stations of the Cross were a daily devotion for Mother Angelica

Mar 25, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

It is tradition for Catholics to participate in the Stations of the Cross during Lent. But for EWTN foundress Mother... Read more

"Santiago: The Camino Within" is being released for one day only on March 28, 2023.

Beautiful new film on Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is a ‘perfect Lenten meditation’

Mar 21, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

Bishop James Conley called this new film on the Spanish pilgrimage route the “best” movie about the Camino de Santiago... Read more

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Have you ever wondered what vegans give up for Lent?

Mar 11, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Have you ever wondered what vegans give up for Lent? Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowd at his Sunday Angelus address on Jan. 29, 2023.

Pope Francis: The devil uses ‘three widespread and dangerous temptations’ to divide us

Feb 26, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The pope also offered advice for how to overcome temptations using the Word of God. Read more

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What’s the point of fasting, anyway?

Feb 22, 2023

By Matt Hadro

God commanded it, Jesus practiced it, Church Fathers have preached the importance of it — fasting is a powerful and... Read more

A pre-Mardi Gras parade takes place on Feb. 11, 2023 in New Orleans.

How to pregame your Lent

Feb 18, 2023

By Mary Farrow

Sunday, Feb. 19, is the last Sunday before Shrovetide, which culminates in Shrove Tuesday — more popularly known as Mardi... Read more

Monstrance for adoration, stock photo.

There is still time to receive a plenary indulgence during Lent

Mar 31, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Did you know that there are several ways you can gain a plenary indulgence during Lent? It’s true! There are... Read more

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Good news! You can eat a cheeseburger on Friday, March 25. Here’s why

Mar 24, 2022

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

You probably already are well aware that Catholics are called to abstain from eating meat on all Fridays throughout Lent.... Read more

Pope Francis during his general audience in Paul VI Hall on January 26, 2022.

Pope Francis’ Lenten message: Addiction to digital media can hurt human relationships

Feb 24, 2022

By Courtney Mares

"May the corporal fasting to which Lent calls us fortify our spirit for the battle against sin,” Pope Francis said. Read more

Pope Francis takes part in the Roman Curia’s Lenten retreat in Ariccia, Italy, on March 6-10, 2016. Credit: Vatican Media.

Roman Curia’s annual Lenten retreat changed again due to COVID-19

Jan 20, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Curial officials will make their own arrangements for a private Lenten retreat. Read more

Courage offers virtual Lenten reflection

Feb 27, 2021

By CNA Staff

As pandemic restrictions continue to affect in-person events, a pair of ministries for people with same-sex attraction and their loved... Read more

Pope Francis on retreat with the Roman Curia at the Casa Divin Maestro in Ariccia, Italy, March 4, 2017. Credit: Vatican Media.

From Pius XI to Pope Francis: A history of Spiritual Exercises at the Vatican

Feb 22, 2021

By Courtney Mares

For nearly 100 years, popes have set aside time for an annual retreat and meditation on spiritual exercises.   Read more

Pope Francis gives the Angelus address Feb. 21, 2021. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis: Christian life 'is a battle against the spirit of evil'

Feb 21, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Like Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert, Christians must be prepared to battle evil, knowing that “with faith,... Read more

The cover of “Abbi a cuore il Signore,” by the “Master of San Bartolo.” Screenshot.

Pope Francis gives Roman Curia 17th-century text as Lenten reading

Feb 19, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has given each member of the Roman Curia a book to include in their spiritual reading for their... Read more

A frozen-over lake in Texas, Feb. 17, 2021. Credit: jmanaugh3/Shutterstock.

Brownsville bishop dispenses from law of abstinence amid Texas storm

Feb 18, 2021

Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville announced Thursday via Twitter that he is granting a dispensation from abstinence from meat for... Read more

Pope Francis, pictured Oct. 15, 2014. Credit: Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk.

Pope Francis urges Brazil’s Christians to seek unity in battle against pandemic

Feb 17, 2021

Pope Francis encouraged Brazil’s Christians on Wednesday to confront the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic together this Lent.  Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta April 4, 2020. Credit: Vatican Media.

Pope Francis: ‘Experience Lent with love’ by caring for those affected by pandemic

Feb 12, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to practice charity in Lent this year by caring for those affected by the coronavirus... Read more

CRS’ Lenten Rice Bowl program to help feed the hungry amid COVID pandemic

Feb 12, 2021

By CNA Staff

Catholic Relief Services is asking Catholics this Lent to remember those affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by participating in... Read more