Fasting

“Let us not stop praying, fasting, helping and working so that the paths of peace find space in the jungle of conflicts,” the pope said June 23.

“If there’s effort at all — even if we think it’s measly or small — we are acknowledging that these 40 days are set apart in our year to more fully pay attention to the Lord’s movement in our lives.”

On his Twitter account, Feb. 27, the pope reiterated his invitation for everyone to take part in a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2, “in order to be near to the suffering Ukrainian people, to be aware that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God for an end to the war.”

By using CRS Rice Bowl materials, families and educators can teach children about the season of Lent, Jesus’ sacrifice, and how they can help their sisters and brothers around the world while living out their faith.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. The other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat.

Two authors provided their insights on how to make Lent meaningful in 2022 — especially since this is the third Lent the church will observe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I ask everyone to continue to help the needy and to pray that dialogue and solidarity may lead to the establishment of a peaceful and fraternal coexistence and offer hope for the country’s future,” he said, after praying the Angelus with visitors in St. Peter’s Square Aug. 29.

Lent, our own ‘spring training,’ prepares us for the mysteries of Holy Week.