Lent is Coming

For Christians, especially Catholics, Lent is a 40-day penitential period of prayer and fasting that precedes Easter. This is observed in memory of the 40 day fast of Jesus in the desert. Formerly a severe fast was prescribed: only one full meal a day was allowed, and meat, fish, eggs, and milk procucts were forbidden. Today, however, prayer and works of charity are emphasized. Lent has been observed since the 4th century.
In many countries, the last day before Lent, today, (called Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Carnival, or Fasching) has become a last fling before the solemnity of Lent. For centuries, it was customary to fast by abstaining from meat during Lent, which is why people call the festival, "Carnival", which is Latin for "farewell to Flesh (meat)".

This morning the "Church mice" will meet at the Church and start to get our Church ready for lent. The colors will change and wreaths will come off the doors. We won't have flowers in the Church until Easter. Violet is the color for the season. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday...our palms have been taken to Church to be burned, so that we will have ashes for the Priest to use tomorrow. This is a period of fasting and meditation. We receive little books with a meditation for each day. Joe and I take turns reading the little passage each morning at breakfast. We don't have to give up something for Lent, but I like to follow a strict tradition of, this year, giving up sugar. We are to meet at 10, so I have to get ready. Have a great day!

Balisha

PS...I'll have to make that heart shaped box of Valentine candy disappear...PRONTO!