Season of Lent for Kenyan Catholics – What is Lenten Season

What is Lenten Season? Lent is a time of reflection and prayer. It is a 40-day journey where we travel with Christ to Jerusalem to be with him in his suffering and death. It is a time when we reflect on how our sins have contributed to the introduction of disorder in the world. In a way, it is a blessed time because God gives us another occasion to repent and make up for our sinfulness in fasting, prayer, abstinence and charity. (cf. Matthew 6:1-6.16-18)

Lent is intended to be a time of self-denial, moderation, fasting, and the forsaking of sinful activities and habits. Ash Wednesday commences this period of spiritual discipline. Ash Wednesday and Lent are observed by most Catholics and some Protestant denominations. The Eastern Orthodox Church does not observe Ash Wednesday; instead, they start Lent on “Clean Monday.”

While the Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday, it does record accounts of people in the Old Testament using dust and ashes as symbols of repentance and/or mourning (2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3). The modern tradition of rubbing a cross on a person’s forehead supposedly identifies that person with Jesus Christ.

Lenten Campaign Kenya

The Annual Lenten Campaigns broad objective is to sensitize Christians on issues that affect society and how they relate to the social teachings of the church. The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission is charged with the development of the Lenten campaign.

What is the significance of the 40 days of Lent before Easter?

The 40 days of Lent, which precedes Easter is based on two Biblical accounts: the 40 years of wilderness wandering by the Israelites and our Lord’s 40 days in the wilderness at which point He was tempted by Satan.

Why is Lent observed in only some Christian Churches?

In the Protestant world, particularly among many evangelical denominations and independent churches, the Church Calendar is not observed. The seasons were omitted along with most of the sacraments and the use of liturgy in their approach to faith. These Christians do observe Christmas and Easter and some might even celebrate Pentecost.

When does Lent end?

Lenten Season officially ends on Holy Thursday. That is when the “Triduum”, great three Days of holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday occur leading to Easter. Easter is not only a day but an Octave (eight day) celebration leading to a Season of the Church, Easter Season, which ends on Pentecost.