Lent 2021
This year, Lent starts on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and ends on Thursday, April 1 with evening mass on Holy Thursday. Lent is the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday until Easter. It is a period observed by Christians as preparation for Easter, involving prayer, fasting and penitence.
The Latest
Ancient Roman pilgrimage revs-up spiritual aspect of Lent
For pilgrims in Rome, Ash Wednesday marked not only the start of the Church’s Lenten season, but also a traditional... Read more
Pope and Curia begin annual Lenten retreat
Pope Francis and members of the Curia set out from Rome on Sunday afternoon to begin their annual Lenten retreat. Read more
To follow Christ, we must confront life's deserts, Pope says
The 40 days of Lent are a reminder that we face spiritual deserts, and we must confront them with courage... Read more
Using God as a cover for injustice is no trifling matter, Pope says
In his homily Friday, Pope Francis said that love of God and of neighbor are inseparable, and castigated the actions... Read more
Would you die for your ashes? Cardinal reflects on modern Christian martyrs
Catholics owe solidarity, prayer and a voice against injustice to their fellow Christians being martyred and persecuted around the world,... Read more
This Lent, ask God for the 'gift of tears,' Pope says
In his Ash Wednesday homily, Pope Francis said the time of Lent is a call to leave hypocrisy behind and... Read more
Pope Francis: kiss the crucifix, kiss the wounds of Jesus
In his general audience address Pope Francis spoke on the meaning of suffering and evil, explaining that it is a... Read more
Pope distributes free copies of Gospels
Pope Francis handed out free pocket-sized copies of the gospels to crowds filling St. Peter’s square for the Sunday Angelus,... Read more
Pope urges faithful not to lose apostolic zeal to spiritual sloth
In his homily on Tuesday, Pope Francis lamented the many Christians who close the door to God’s grace out of... Read more
Pope Francis warns against the disguise of hypocrites
In his daily homily Pope Francis cautioned against those who appear to be holy but are in fact self-absorbed, explaining... Read more
Pope Francis on Lenten retreat with members of Curia
On Sunday afternoon Pope Francis left Rome with members of the Curia to spend their annual Lenten retreat in the... Read more
Thwart temptation with the word of God, Pope exhorts
In his Sunday Angelus message today, Pope Francis stressed the importance of resisting temptations by finding refuge in God’s word. Read more
Editor shares life-changing Lenten challenge in new book
A New York-based Catholic editor says her experience with the corporal works of mercy two Lenten seasons ago transformed her... Read more
Cardinal calls on faithful to have tender hearts during Lent
Cardinal Aurelio Poli of Buenos Aires invited Catholics during Lent to “have a more tender heart” toward the difficult situations... Read more
Ancient Lenten pilgrimage comes to life through new book
Author and scholar George Weigel says his newly-released book offers readers the opportunity experience a centuries-old Lenten practice from Rome... Read more
Pope: Heart full of desire for possessions is 'empty of God'
Crowds filled a rainy St. Peter’s Square today to hear Pope Francis’ Angelus message, which focused on the importance of... Read more
Rice bowl app aims to engage Catholics in Lent, fight hunger
Catholic Relief Services’ annual Rice Bowl Program has added a new mobile app and a social media-based photo challenge to... Read more
Chart-topping Benedictine nuns to release album for Lent
The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles – an order of contemplative nuns who live in a cloister yet repeatedly... Read more
Pope's Lenten message highlights poverty of Christ
In his first message for the Lenten season, Pope Francis focuses on the poverty of Christ in becoming man, emphasizing... Read more
Papal preacher urges Church to remove barriers to the Gospel
On Good Friday, papal preacher Father Raniero Cantalamessa urged Catholics to seize “this moment in which a new time is... Read more
