Lent Begins: A Spiritual Journey for Catholics

MORELIA, Michoacán — Lent, a significant period in the Christian calendar, commenced on March 5, inviting Catholics to reflect and renew their spiritual commitments. The season spans 40 days leading to Easter, symbolizing the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert.

During this time, many Catholics observe fasting, particularly abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and the following six Fridays. This tradition is deeply rooted in the history of the Church as a means of showing humility and penance.

“Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return,” a priest declares as ash is imposed on the foreheads of the faithful. The ashes represent repentance and a call to renew faith. This season urges believers to confront seductive temptations and foster spiritual growth.

“Jesus invites us to love our neighbors, especially the poor and the needy,” said Fr. Mitxel Gutiérrez Sánchez O.P. from the Convento de S. Valentín de Berrio Ochoa. His message echoes the call for compassion during this solemn period.

Fr. Ángel Romo Fraile highlighted the need for deeper understanding of the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing its link to Christ’s role in prayer. “The Our Father encapsulates the essence of our relationship with the Creator,” he noted.

As many prepare for spiritual growth, different Church figures emphasize the importance of intercession and reliance on divine grace. “One must strive to be better than the scribes and Pharisees to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,” pointed out Fray Manuel Santos Sánchez O.P. from the Convento de Santo Domingo in Oviedo.

Additionally, the Catholic Church encourages not only fasting from food but also from harmful habits. From prayer and almsgiving, believers are urged to embark on acts of charity as manifestations of their faith.

“The words of Jesus are not optional but mandatory. With God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, everything is possible,” said Sister María Belén Marín López, O.P., from the Monasterio Santa Ana in Murcia. Her perspective emphasizes inner strength and community support in the journey of faith.

Lent culminates with Holy Week, beginning on April 13 this year, marked by Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and ultimately, the celebration of the Resurrection. The period provides an opportunity for purification, reflection, and renewed commitment to Christian values.