As Ash Wednesday approaches, Christians around the world prepare to enter Lent 2026—a sacred 40‑day journey marked by renewal, repentance, and deep reflection. This season has long been understood as a spiritual “spring cleaning,” a time to clear away what distracts us from God and to cultivate habits that draw us closer to Christ. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, believers are invited to rediscover the heart of their faith and embrace a more intentional, grace‑filled way of living.
Lent is not merely a tradition; it is a pilgrimage of the soul. The Church offers these weeks as a time to prepare for the joy of Easter, encouraging us to pause, look inward, and allow God to transform us. In quiet moments of prayer, in the discipline of fasting, and in the generosity of almsgiving, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and open ourselves to His renewing love.
Walking Through the Sundays of Lent
Each Sunday of Lent carries its own spiritual rhythm, guiding us step by step toward Easter.
- February 22 – First Sunday of Lent The journey begins with a call to repentance and conversion. We are invited to take our first intentional steps toward spiritual renewal.
- March 1 – Second Sunday of Lent A moment to reflect on God’s promises and strengthen our trust in His faithfulness.
- March 8 – Third Sunday of Lent A reminder to turn away from sin and return wholeheartedly to God’s mercy.
- March 15 – Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) A joyful pause in the penitential season, offering a glimpse of Easter’s light and the reassurance of God’s enduring compassion.
- March 22 – Fifth Sunday of Lent A renewed commitment to prayer, fasting, and service as we draw nearer to Holy Week.
- March 29 – Palm Sunday The triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem marks the beginning of Holy Week, inviting us to walk with Him through the mystery of His Passion.
The Paschal Triduum: The Heart of Our Faith
The holiest days of the Christian year unfold in the Paschal Triduum, drawing us into the profound mystery of Christ’s love.
- April 2 – Maundy Thursday We remember the Last Supper, the gift of the Eucharist, and Christ’s command to love one another.
- April 3 – Good Friday A solemn day of remembrance, honouring Christ’s Passion and His sacrificial death on the cross.
- April 4 – Holy Saturday A quiet day of waiting, prayer, and hope as we prepare for the glory of the Resurrection.
- April 5 – Easter Sunday The celebration of Christ’s victory over death—a radiant proclamation of life, hope, and salvation.
A Call to Renewal
As we journey through Lent 2026, we are invited to open our hearts to God’s transforming grace. This season offers a sacred opportunity to reflect deeply, repent sincerely, and renew our love for Christ. In his message for Lent 2026 Pope Leo XIV says: “Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others. Let us strive to make our communities places where the cry of those who suffer finds welcome, and listening opens paths towards liberation, making us ready and eager to contribute to building a civilization of love.” By embracing these days with intention and faith, we prepare ourselves to celebrate Easter not only with joy, but with hearts made new.
May this Lent be a time of genuine spiritual growth, a season that leads us closer to God and fills us with hope, peace, and renewed purpose.