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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 34345 [post_author] => 43 [post_date] => 2024-03-28 14:41:34 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-28 14:41:34 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord commemorates Jesus’ ascension into Heaven.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Historically, this holy has been celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday – the Thursday in the sixth week of Easter. Most U.S. dioceses, however,  have moved the celebration of the Ascension to the seventh Sunday of Easter. For this reason, it is now often referred to as “Ascension Sunday.” The day of celebration – Thursday or Sunday – seems to vary from diocese to diocese and country to country in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When celebrated on a Thursday, the Ascension of the Lord remains a <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-days-of-obligation/">holy day of obligation</a>. The Church expects Catholics to attend Mass every Sunday already, so when the Ascension is celebrated on a Sunday, attendance is doubly encouraged.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#acension-reflection">Reflection on the Ascension of the Lord</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#ascension-prayers">Prayers for the Ascension of the Lord</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="##mass-readings-ascension-sunday">Mass Readings for the Ascension Sunday 2024</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#commonly-asked-questions">Commonly-Asked Questions</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Related-Reading">Related Reading</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ascension-reflection">Reflection on the Ascension of the Lord</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Read a few excerpts from <a href="https://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20010525_agostino_en.html">a beautiful sermon</a> on the Ascension of Jesus from around the beginning of the fifth century, composed by early church father and bishop <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/augustine-of-hippo/">St. Augustine of Hippo</a>. <em>(Source: </em><a href="https://www.vatican.va/spirit/documents/spirit_20010525_agostino_en.html#:~:text=%22Today%20our%20Lord%20Jesus%20Christ,things%20that%20are%20on%20earth"><em>Vatican Archives</em></a><em>)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">St. Augustine first points us to reflect on the Ascension with the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Col. 3:1-4):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Today our Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven; let our hearts ascend with him. Listen to the words of the Apostle: </em><strong><em>If you have risen with Christ, set your hearts on the things that are above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God; seek the things that are above, not the things that are on earth.</em></strong><em> For just as he remained with us even after his ascension, so we too are already in heaven with him, even though what is promised us has not yet been fulfilled in our bodies.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">He eloquently explains to us how, through his resurrection and ascension, Christ is here with us on earth by His divinity, and we are in Heaven with Him by His love,&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>While in heaven he is also with us; and we while on earth are with him. He is here with us by his divinity, his power and his love. We cannot be in heaven, as he is on earth, by divinity, but in him, we can be there by love.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">And how His Ascension is unique to Him alone:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>No one ascended into heaven except Christ because we also are Christ: he is the Son of Man by his union with us, and we by our union with him are sons of God.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Thus, no one but Christ descended and no one but Christ ascended; not because there is no distinction between the head and the body, but because the body as a unity cannot be separated from the head.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can also listen to a reflection on the Ascension from the current day with Bishop Barron in Hallow’s Sunday Sermons this Ascension Sunday 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/J70uUqQqPzb">Pray with Hallow on the Ascension</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ascension-prayers">Prayers for the Ascension of the Lord</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray with the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Colossians:<em> “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.” (Col. 3:1-4)</em><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray with the Collect Prayer for Ascension Sunday:<em> “Gladden us with holy joys, almighty God, and make us rejoice with devout thanksgiving, for the Ascension of Christ your Son is our exaltation, and, where the Head has gone before in glory, the Body is called to follow in hope. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.”</em><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Listen and pray with Day 322 in the Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz, which draws on the Acts of the Apostles, Romans, and Proverbs. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="mass-readings-ascension-sunday">Mass Readings for the Ascension of the Lord “Ascension Sunday” - May 21, 2023</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-reading-acts-1-1-11">First Reading - Acts 1:1-11</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught 2 until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; 5 for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”</em><em><br></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>6 When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. 10 While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. </em><strong><em>11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-reading-ephesians-1-17-23">Second Reading - Ephesians 1:17-23</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, 20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, 21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. </em><strong><em>22 And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gospel-matthew-28-16-20">Gospel - Matthew 28:16-20</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 18 Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. </em><strong><em>And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/J70uUqQqPzb">Download the Hallow App</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="commonly-asked-questions">Commonly-Asked Questions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>When is the Ascension of the Lord?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Historically, the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated 40 days after Easter Sunday on the Thursday in the sixth week of Easter. In the last decade, there has been a shift in the U.S. to celebrate the Ascension on the seventh Sunday of Easter. In 2024, Ascension Sunday is May 12.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Is the Ascension a holy day of obligation in 2024?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When celebrated on the Thursday in the sixth week of Easter, the Ascension is a holy day of obligation. When celebrated on the seventh Sunday of Easter, Catholics are already expected to attend Mass that day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>When did Jesus ascend into Heaven?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Based on the Acts of the Apostles, the Church holds that Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after His resurrection on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Is the Ascension the same as Pentecost?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Ascension and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/pentecost/">Pentecost</a> are not the same, though they are connected. It was 10 days after Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven that the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit/">Holy Spirit</a> was able to descend upon His disciples. Pentecost signals the end of the Easter season and is also the day we recognize as the birth of the Church.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>What happened between the Ascension and Pentecost?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For ten days, Jesus’ disciples and Mary patiently and prayerfully waited for the coming of the Holy Spirit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Related-Reading">Related Reading</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/easter/">Complete Guide to the Easter Season</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-immaculate-conception-church-teaching-prayers/">Immaculate Conception 2024</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god/">Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 2024</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/all-saints-day-faq-origin-celebrations-and-prayers/">Solemnity of All Saints</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">Surrender Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/J70uUqQqPzb">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> [post_title] => Feast of the Ascension of the Lord 2024 - Reflections and Readings for Ascension Day [post_excerpt] => The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord celebrates Jesus’ ascension into Heaven.  [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => feast-of-the-ascension-of-the-lord [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-04-11 13:27:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-04-11 13:27:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=34345 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 54986 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2024-03-21 17:54:21 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-21 17:54:21 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Feast of the Annunciation: Table of Contents</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Introduction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#biblical-roots">Biblical Roots </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#history">History</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#art">Annunciation in Art</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#prayers">Annunciation Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#faqs">Frequently Asked Questions</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord commemorates the angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The word “Annunciation” might look similar to an English word that is more common: announce.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Annunciation refers to the announcement of the Incarnation–that God would become man in the form of Jesus, born to Mary. It also refers to Mary’s fiat–her yes to God.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It is one of the single most important moments in the history of human salvation. It has been celebrated in Scripture and art across centuries and remains an important Marian feast, along with the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-assumption/">Feast of the Assumption</a> and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-immaculate-conception-church-teaching-prayers/">Feast of the Immaculate Conception</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="biblical-roots">Biblical Roots</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We learn of the Annunciation in the beginning of the Gospel of Luke (1:26), which tells us how the angel Gabriel, sent from God, visits Mary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The words and imagery are so rich and beautiful that some scholars suggest that Luke somehow witnessed the Annunciation himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Reading the story of the Annunciation to Mary,” <a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Annunciation_to_Mary/A86rrkrUVGYC?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;dq=the+Annunciation&amp;printsec=frontcover">writes Eugene LaVerdiere, SSS in The Annunciation of Mary: A Story of Faith</a>,  “we have the impression that Luke personally must have seen the Annunciation as in a vision or dream, and must have reflected on it for a long time before writing it down."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">These words and those that follow provide the basis for the Hail Mary prayer. The Annunciation itself is the first Joyful Mystery of the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="history">History</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Gary Waller, author of "A Cultural Study of Mary and the Annunciation," <a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Cultural_Study_of_Mary_and_the_Annunci/NmtECgAAQBAJ?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1">traces</a> the observance of the Annunciation on March 25 to the seventh century, while <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-188">other sources</a> point to the fourth or fifth century as the time when Annunciation celebrations began overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the centuries since, it’s continued to represent an important day in the Church calendar, though it’s no longer a <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-days-of-obligation/">Holy Day of Obligation</a> in most places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pope Benedict celebrated the role of the Annunciation in our faith in <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/homilies/2006/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20060325_anello-cardinalizio.html">his 2006 Annunciation day homily</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“The icon of the Annunciation, more than any other, helps us to see clearly how everything in the Church goes back to that mystery of Mary's acceptance of the divine Word, by which, through the action of the Holy Spirit, the Covenant between God and humanity was perfectly sealed,” he said.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="art">Annunciation in Art&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Artwork depicting the Annunciation is perhaps as old as the event itself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">According to Waller, Luke himself was an artist, and believed by many to be the first person to create an icon of Mary. In fact, this article by Aleteia <a href="https://aleteia.org/2017/10/18/4-icons-of-mary-attributed-to-st-luke-the-evangelist/">explores</a> four icons of Mary attributed to St. Luke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Waller believes that pictorial representations of the Annunciation date back perhaps to the third century A.D.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many scholars point to the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Catacombs of Priscilla</a> in Rome as playing host to the first artistic representation of the Annunciation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the centuries that followed, the Annunciation remained a popular subject of art.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“The Annunciation is among the most consistently depicted subjects in medieval iconography; it is found in everything from early Christian catacombs and sculpted facades to books of hours, mosaics, and panel paintings,” <a href="https://ima.princeton.edu/2017/03/22/the-annunciation-at-the-spring/">said Pamela Patton</a> of the Art and Archaeology Department at the University of Princeton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="prayers">Annunciation Prayers&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Annunciation Novena is a popular prayer that traditionally begins nine days before March 25, on March 17.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/cna/knights-of-columbus-urges-members-to-join-novena-for-ukraine-and-russia">Knights of Columbus</a> called on members to pray the Annunciation novena in 2022 as a call for peace in Ukraine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>I greet you, Ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Throne of Grace, miracle of Almighty Power! I greet you, Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity and Queen of the Universe, Mother of Mercy and refuge of sinners!Most loving Mother, attracted by your beauty and sweetness, and by your tender compassion, I confidently turn to you, miserable as I am, and beg of you to obtain for me from your dear Son the favor I request in this novena:(Mention your petitions here)Obtain for me also, Queen of heaven, the most lively contrition for my many sins and the grace to imitate closely those virtues which you practiced so faithfully, especially humility, purity, and obedience. Above all, I beg you to be my Mother and Protectress, to receive me into the number of your devoted children, and to guide me from your high throne of glory. Do not reject my petitions, Mother of Mercy! Have pity on me, and do not abandon me during life or at the moment of my death. Amen.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Annunciation is also a great time to pray the Hail Mary or the Rosary.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As Pope Francis <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2021/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20211219.pdf">reminded us in a December 2021 homily</a>, the Annunciation can also be a time to call to mind others, as Mary selflessly did</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"The Virgin does not stay at home, thinking over what has happened.....On the contrary, she first thinks of someone in need; instead of being absorbed in her own problems, she thinks about someone in need, she thinks about Elizabeth, her relative, who was advanced in years and with child."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="faqs">Frequently Asked Questions about The Annunciation</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>When is the Annunciation? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Annunciation typically takes place on March 25, nine months before Christmas. When it falls during Holy Week, it is usually moved, as in 2024, with an April 8th observance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Why is the Annunciation celebrated on March 25?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">March 25 represents nine months prior to the date we celebrate Jesus’s birth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>How is the Feast of the Annunciation celebrated? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On the Annunciation, Marian prayers are especially popular. The USCCB<a href="https://www.usccb.org/resources/rlp-20-annunciation-action-guide.pdf"> encourages</a> people to reach out to those expecting children and pray for all expectant mothers and unborn children.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>What’s the difference between the Annunciation and the Immaculate Conception?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Annunciation refers to Gabriel visiting Mary, announcing that Jesus would be conceived and born to Mary. The Immaculate Conception refers to <em>Mary’s conception</em> and the dogma that Mary was born without original sin, so that she could give birth to Christ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>How old was Mary at the Annunciation?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We don’t know for sure, but most scholars believe she was probably around 13.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-resources"><strong>More Resources</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/">How to Pray the Hail Mary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-marian-consecration/">How to Pray the Marian Consecration</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena/">Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-family-novena/">Holy Family Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Feast of the Annunciation 2024: Novena, Prayers and More [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => feast-of-the-annunciation [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-21 17:54:26 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-21 17:54:26 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=54986 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 54913 [post_author] => 54 [post_date] => 2024-03-21 14:47:31 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-21 14:47:31 [post_content] => <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Introduction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#promises">Promises for Devotion to the Holy Face</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#how-to">How to Pray the Holy Face of Jesus Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#more">Related Novenas</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">"I firmly wish that my face reflecting the intimate pains of my soul, the suffering and love of my heart, be more honored! Whoever gazes upon me already consoles me."&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sister Pierina</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-hallow-purple-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/holyfaceofjesusnovena">Pray on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus on Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. The devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus is based on the writings of Sister Marie of St. Peter, a Carmelite nun of Tours in France.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In 1844, she had a <a href="https://hisholyface.com/sr-mary-of-st-peter/">vision</a> where Jesus told her: “Those who will contemplate the wounds on My Face here on earth, shall contemplate it radiant in heaven.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novenas/">novena</a>, typically recited for nine consecutive days leading up to the feast day of the Holy Face of Jesus on Fat Tuesday, serves as a <a href="https://humanlife.ie/history-of-the-holy-face-devotion/">reparation for sins</a> of the world. The purpose of this devotion is reparation for sins of the denial of God, blasphemy, and the profanation of Sundays and Holy Days. There are many prayers that can be said in devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, but all were created for the meditation and contemplation of Veronica’s veil, the relic that exposes the image of the Divine Face.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-hallow-purple-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/holyfaceofjesusnovena">Pray on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="promises"><strong>Promises for Devotion to His Holy Face</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As detailed in the 1884 book <a href="https://archive.org/details/lifeofsistermary00janvuoft"><em>Life of Sister Mary St. Peter</em></a>, Our Lord Jesus Christ to Sr. Mary of St. Peter in favor of those who honor his most Holy Face:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“By my Holy Face you will work marvels.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>You will obtain from my Holy Face the salvation of a multitude of sinners.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If you could comprehend how agreeable the sight of my Holy Face is to my Heavenly Father!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>According to the care you take to repair my countenance disfigured by blasphemy, so shall I be animated in the same degree to transform your soul which has been disfigured by sin; I will imprint thereon my own image, and I will render it as beautiful as when it came forth from the baptismal font.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>My adorable Face is the seal of the Divinity, having the power to imprint itself on the souls of those who apply it to their persons.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As in an earthly kingdom, the subjects can procure all they desire by being provided with a piece of money stamped with the effigy of the monarch, so also shall you be able to obtain all that you desire in the kingdom of heaven, on presenting the impress of my sacred humanity, which is my Holy Face.”&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to"><strong>How to Pray the Holy Face of Jesus Novena</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Throughout the novena, we are called to cultivate a spirit of repentance and perseverance in prayer for our sins. We can pray for our own sins, those of our family and friends, as well as of the world. Recite the prayer below for nine consecutive days to pray this novena.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-hallow-purple-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/holyfaceofjesusnovena">Pray on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:quote {"align":"center","className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-text-align-center"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O Lord Jesus Christ, in presenting ourselves before Thy adorable Face, to ask of Thee the graces of which we stand in most need, we beseech Thee above all, to grant us that interior disposition of never refusing at any time what Thou requires of us by Thy holy commandments and divine inspirations.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O Good Jesus, who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you,” grant us O Lord, that faith which obtains all, or supply in us what may be deficient. Grant us, by the pure effect of Thy charity, and for Thy eternal glory, the graces that we need and that we seek from Thy infinite mercy.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Be merciful to us, O my God, and reject not our prayers, when amid our afflictions, we call upon Thy Holy Name and seek with love and confidence Thy adorable Face.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O Almighty and Eternal God, look upon the Face of Thy Son Jesus. We present It to Thee with confidence to implore Thy pardon. The All-Merciful Advocate opens His Lips to plead our cause. Hearken to His cries, behold His tears, O God, and through His infinite merits, hear Him when He intercedes for us poor miserable sinners.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Adorable Face of Jesus, my only love, my light and my life, grant that I may know Thee, love Thee and serve Thee alone, that I may live with Thee, by Thee and for Thee.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Eternal Father, I offer Thee the adorable Face of Thy Beloved Son for the honor and glory of Thy Name, for the conversion of sinners and the salvation of the dying. O Divine Jesus, through Thy Face and Name, save us. Our Hope is in the virtue of Thy Holy Name!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center">Amen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"backgroundColor":"hallow-purple"} --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-hallow-purple-background-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/holyfaceofjesusnovena">Pray on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="more"><strong>More Novenas</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you are interested in praying more novenas, check these out below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-family-novena/">Holy Family Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-saint-lucy-novena/">St. Lucy Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-sacred-heart-novena/">Sacred Heart Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">Surrender Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/">St. Andrew Christmas Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => How to Pray the Holy Face of Jesus Novena [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => holy-face-novena [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-21 14:47:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-21 14:47:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=54913 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 54578 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2024-03-15 20:17:19 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-03-15 20:17:19 [post_content] => <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holy-week-for-kids-table-of-contents">Holy Week for Kids: Table of Contents:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Introduction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#palm-crosses">Make Palm Crosses</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#confession-prep">Prepare Kids to Attend Confession</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#triduum-for-kids">Listen to Through Their Eyes (Triduum for Kids)</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#holy-thursday-mass">Attend Holy Thursday Mass</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#stations-of-the-cross">Pray the Stations of the Cross</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#easter-basket-blessing">Attend an Easter Basket Blessing</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#time-with-the-saints">Spend Time with the Saints</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#more-resources">Additional Resources</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While egg hunts remain popular in the lead-up to <a href="/">Easter</a>, there are more meaningful ways to engage with your family and observe <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/">Holy Week</a> with little ones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Help your kids prepare their hearts for Easter by participating in Holy Week activities rooted in the sacraments and the rich liturgical tradition of the Triduum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="palm-cross">Make Palm Sunday Crosses</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Begin Holy Week by turning palms from <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/palm-sunday/">Palm Sunday</a> Mass into beautiful crosses with the help of your little ones.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a crafts person, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to turn a single palm into a small cross.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Arlington Catholic Herald has a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrEorJngmrM">helpful video</a> that shows how, in less than two minutes, you can transform a palm into a cross with about nine easy folds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="confession-prep">Prepare Kids to Attend Confession</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Holy Week is one of the most popular times of the year that people receive the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-go-to-confession-the-sacrament-of-penance-reconciliation/">sacrament of Reconciliation</a>. On the Wednesday of Holy Week, many parishes offer special times for people to attend confession. In fact, more people visit Hallow’s guide to confession on this day than any other day of the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The sacrament of Reconciliation is great for people of (most) ages, including children who have already made their first confession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Inside of the Hallow app, we offer resources for confession preparation specific to children ages 7-13 and a separate guide for older teens. Each of these focuses on the examination of conscience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="triduum-for-kids">Listen to Through Their Eyes (Triduum for Kids)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many children are familiar with Easter but may have less understanding of the entire Triduum.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Lean into observing the entire Triduum and help children gain an appreciation for the unique, beautiful liturgies of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow is excited to release Through Their Eyes, a radio drama mini-series to immerse you and your family in the very heart of Christ, through the eyes of those who knew Him best:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/28 <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-thursday/">Holy Thursday</a>: Saint Mark</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/29 <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/">Good Friday</a>: Saint Veronica</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/30 <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/easter-vigil/">Holy Saturday</a>: Saint Peter</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3/31 <a href="https://hallow.com/easter/">Easter Sunday</a>: Saint Mary Magdalene</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It might be hard to attend the Easter Vigil, which begins after sunset and often lasts several hours, with little ones. However, each episode of Through Their Eyes runs between 25-30 minutes and are recommended for children ages 8+.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/holyweekforkids">Try Hallow for Free</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="holy-thursday-mass">Attend a Holy Thursday Mass</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Triduum begins with Holy Thursday, the celebration of the Last Supper and one of the most unique liturgies of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Kids who have never attended the services may be struck by the powerful symbolism of the priest leading the foot washing and the altar being stripped at the end of Mass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The liturgy is also typically not as long as the Easter Vigil, so it could be an easy way to introduce kids to the Triduum–and the beautiful liturgies it contains before Easter Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="stations-of-the-cross">Pray the Stations of the Cross</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Praying the stations of the cross is something that takes place on Fridays throughout Lent, but Holy Week provides an opportunity to participate in this tradition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Cities like <a href="http://www.wayofthecrossdc.com/">Washington, D.C.</a>, <a href="http://wayofthecrosschicago.org/index.html">Chicago</a>, <a href="https://nypaxchristi.org/2023/04/08/way-of-the-cross41st-annual-way-of-the-cross/">New York</a>, and <a href="https://catholicphilly.com/2018/03/news/events/good-friday-living-stations-of-the-cross/">Philadelphia</a> organize outdoor marches that follow “The Way of the Cross.” These usually draw large crows composed of people from various parishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If your kids are too little for a long walk, consider making Stations of the Cross <a href="https://www.reallifeathome.com/printable-stations-of-the-cross-for-children/">booklets</a> that they can color and assemble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Check out Hallow’s complete guide to <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a> to learn more about the history and meaning behind this tradition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="easter-basket-blessing">Attend an Easter Basket Blessing</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">A European tradition that is gaining popularity in the U.S. and elsewhere, Easter basket blessings (known as “Święconka” in Poland) help remind children of the true meaning of Easter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On the morning of Holy Saturday, families fill Easter baskets with various foods and bring them to their local parish for a special blessing. The next day, the food is eaten as part of a celebratory Easter meal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Diocese of Pittsburgh <a href="https://diopitt.org/news/blessing-of-easter-foods">describes</a> the journey of bringing the baskets to church for a blessing as a “sacred pilgrimage.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Remembering those who are in need, churches that participate in this tradition often include a box or receptacle to donate some of the blessed food for the poor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Children can participate in every aspect of this Holy Week tradition, from choosing foods to fill the basket to presenting it for blessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="time-with-the-saints">Spend Time with the Saints</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Helping children learn about the lives of <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/">saints</a> reminds them that the holy people they might see in stained glass or statues were once little boys and girls who, like all of us, were called to live holy lives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">During Holy Week, this reminder is especially significant.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Consider introducing children to saints they may be less familiar with. On Hallow, you can get catch up on the kids Lent prayer challenge Saints and the Spirit, which profiles saints with short episodes geared toward children.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Stacy McNerney contributed to this article.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/holyweekforkids">Try Hallow for Free</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="more-resources">More Resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-kids/">How to Pray with Kids</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/easter-traditions/">Easter Traditions Around the World</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Holy Week for Kids: Activities and Ideas for Celebrating Holy Week with Children [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => holy-week-for-kids [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-03-15 20:17:56 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-03-15 20:17:56 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=54578 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 33568 [post_author] => 24 [post_date] => 2024-02-28 21:16:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-28 21:16:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>National Day of Prayer: Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Introduction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#history">History</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#different-states">National Day of Prayer in Different States</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#official-prayer">The Day's Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#hallow">Hallow Celebrates National Day of Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#faq">National Day of Prayer FAQ</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the United States, the National Day of Prayer in 2025 is May 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This American tradition is actually older than America itself, dating back to the Second Continental Congress, before the Declaration of Independence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Before America was born, it was already steeped in a tradition of prayer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This tradition continues in modern America each year, with the president proclaiming the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow is excited to recognize National Day of Prayer with actual words of prayer from holy men and women throughout the ages. Hear the voices of <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/john-paul-ii/">St. John Paul II</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/padre-pio-prayers-feast-day/">Padre Pio</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/mother-teresa-prayers-emergency-novena/">Mother Teresa</a> and others leading prayers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/nationaldayofprayer">Pray on Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Learn more about National Day of Prayer and how you can get involved below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="history">National Day of Prayer History</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On June 12, 1775, the <a href="http://mansell.com/personal/archaebibliophilia/2014/Day_of_Prayer_and_Fasting_1775_2003-s.pdf">Second Continental Congress</a> recognized the importance of prayer across the colonies, saying, “We may, with united hearts and voices, unfeignedly confess and deplore our many sins, and offer up our Joint supplications to the all- wise, omnipotent, and merciful Disposer of all events.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">One could argue that the National Day of Prayer is older than America itself!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Twenty-two years later, President John Adams <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=mJ0wAAAAYAAJ&amp;pg=PA287#v=onepage&amp;q&amp;f=false%20https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-8-recommending-national-day-humiliation-fasting-and-prayer">further built on the tradition</a> of a single day focused on prayer (and fasting):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I have therefore thought fit to recommend, and I do hereby recommend, that Wednesday, the 9th day of May next, be observed throughout the United States as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting, and prayer.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">President Truman <a href="https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-2978-national-day-prayer-1952">issued a proclamation</a> in 1952 formally instituting National Day of Prayer, and it’s been an annual occurrence since. In 2022, President Biden encouraged Americans to find in our hearts and prayers the determination to put aside our differences, come together, and truly see one another as fellow Americans” <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/05/04/a-proclamation-on-national-day-of-prayer-2022/">in his proclamation</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="different-states">National Day of Prayer in Different States</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Prayer coordinators in each state help facilitate National Day of Prayer activities in local communities nationwide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In addition to the national proclamations, each state recognizes the Day with its own proclamation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">And sometimes, that takes place on a different day than the official National day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For example, New Jersey <a href="https://assets.nationbuilder.com/nationaldayofprayer/pages/326/attachments/original/1682342368/NJ_2023proclamation.pdf?1682342368">recognized</a> the Day on Friday, May 5, 2023, a day after most other places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="official-prayer">Prayer for 2025 National Day of Prayer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Here’s an excerpt from the lengthy official prayer published by the National Day of Prayer Task Force:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Lord, Your way is perfect, You lead us on paths of righteousness for Your name's sake. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Your Word is Truth, instructing and inspiring us to live in the abundant life You gave when You saved us from the death and destruction of the enemy. Fill us with Truth as we read, study, and live Your Word.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>God, You are a shield for all those who take refuge in You. As we abide in You and Your Word abides in us, we take up our shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God and run boldly into the darkness to Lift Up the Word and Light Up the World! In the Mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="hallow">Pray With Hallow on National Day of Prayer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With the Day centered on being united in prayer, Hallow has invited several of our partners in inviting people around the country to pray together in our “Pray With Me” campaign. We also invite you to join us in praying today with deceased holy men and women from all ages in the new Original Voices collection on the app.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The list of those to pray with includes:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>St. John Paul II</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Address to young people in 1987</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Fr. Patrick Peyton</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sorrowful, Glorious, and Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Memorare</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Short testimony about Mary, Our Mother</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Ven. Fulton Sheen</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/">Hail Mary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father/">Our Father&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>3 talks about prayer</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>St. Padre Pio</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Angelus&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Spiritual Communion prayer</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>St. Mother Teresa</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nobel Prize Speech in 1979</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Prayer of St. Francis</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sr. Thea Bowman</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Songs of My People spirituals album</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>St. Oscar Romero</strong><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>5 homilies&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hear the actual voices of these inspirational figures of faith on Hallow. What better way to recognize National Day of Prayer in your own life?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="faq">Details about National Day of Prayer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>What do you pray on National Day of Prayer?</strong> The National Day of Prayer Task Force provides a prayer that one can choose to pray, but mostly, this is a personal decision to pray however one feels most comfortable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>What is the scripture for the National Day of Prayer 2025?</strong> The scripture inspiring National Day of Prayer in 2025 is Romans 15:13: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>When is National Day of Prayer?</strong> The National Day of Prayer occurs on the first Thursday of May.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Who leads the National Day of Prayer? </strong>There is a National Day of Prayer Task Force headquartered in Colorado, but volunteers help promote the Day in states across the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pray Every Day With Hallow</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Odds are that if you’re interested in National Day of Prayer, you’re probably not new to praying.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Still, we all need a little encouragement sometime. Perhaps National Day of Prayer is the little nudge you needed to start carving out some time for prayer each Day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow makes it easy to find time for prayer each day and turn it into a habit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/nationaldayofprayer">Build a habit of prayer. Get the Hallow app.</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Prayer Resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/daily-prayer-prayers-for-today/">Daily Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/morning-prayer/">Morning Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Chaplet</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-strength/">Prayers for Strength </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-hope/">Prayers for Hope</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => National Day of Prayer 2025 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => national-day-of-prayer [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2025-02-06 16:50:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-02-06 16:50:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=33568 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 52791 [post_author] => 24 [post_date] => 2024-02-15 22:20:17 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-15 22:20:17 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>More than 1 million people joined Lent prayer challenge that began on Ash Wednesday</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2024 </strong><strong>–</strong><strong> </strong>Hallow, the #1 prayer app in the world, made history on Wednesday, becoming the first religious app to reach the #1 spot on Apple’s App Store.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow reached the top spot on Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent and the beginning of its Lent Pray40 prayer challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">”We’re blown away. When we started Hallow, it would’ve been crazy for us to imagine a thousand people praying together on it, much less 1 million,” said Alex Jones, Hallow CEO and co-founder. “God is doing incredible things. All glory and credit and praise belongs to Him.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">More than 1 million people joined the 40-day prayer series that features Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Sr. Miriam James and Sr. Mary Bernice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Roumie and Wahlberg starred in Hallow’s first Big Game commercial on Sunday, leading up to Hallow’s rise to the top of the App Store.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I’m so proud of our team. They did such incredible work,” Jones said. “And our partners - especially Jonathan and Mark yesterday - were just phenomenal. It’s an honor and privilege to see them use their talents and their platform for the Lord.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow surpassed e-commerce app Temu, previously the #1 app, on Wednesday night and continued as the top overall app into Thursday morning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>He Leadeth Me</em>, the spiritual classic that inspires this year’s Pray40 prayer challenge, rose to #2 overall in Amazon’s <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Books/zgbs/books">list of Best Sellers</a> during the same time frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With roughly 85 employees, Hallow is a much smaller company than those building many of the other apps that rank highly in the App Store.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Never in a million years would I have imagined we’d be at the top of the App Store. The other folks in the top 100 apps are just such incredible and popular apps with tens of thousands of employees - Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, Google, Instagram,” said Jones. “What a crazy world.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Quotes from the Hallow Community</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“It was my first Ash Wednesday after about 20 years away. It was amazing to have Hallow be a part of it”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“@HallowApp @frmikeschmitz @markwahlberg First Ash Wednesday mass in maybe 12 years. Maybe even longer. Takes me awhile, but I eventually come”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“Day One of the Lent Pray40 Challenge is amazing... and there's 39 more to go? This is going to change my life and SO many others. Thank you!”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>More Quotes from Alex Jones</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“It can be easy in our world today to feel like we’re losing the fight, like evil and hate and division just always seems to dominate.”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“But hopefully this can act as some little light for folks - something to reinspire our confidence in God.”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“I’m so excited to get to pray with everyone this Lent. It is by far the most incredible challenge we’ve ever produced. I can’t wait till people pray with what’s in store. I was just listening to our Saturday sessions with Sr Bernice from Mother Teresa’s order and was left completely in tears. So excited for what Jesus will do in our hearts this Lent!”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>About Hallow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow helps people deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided prayers, sleep meditations, Bible readings, meditations, and music. The app has more than 10,000 sessions including a Daily Rosary, Daily Gospel, Daily Saint, Novenas, Examens, Father Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year, The Chosen’s Jonathan Roumie’s audio Bible, Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermons, peaceful Christian music, Gregorian chant, and so much more. Launched in December 2018, Hallow is now the #1 Catholic app in the world and has been downloaded 14 million times and used to pray over 400 million times across 150-plus countries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Contact</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Stephen Spiewak</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">stephen@hallow.app</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Hallow Makes History Taking #1 Spot in App Store [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => hallow-makes-history-taking-no-1-spot-in-app-store [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-02-16 17:43:26 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-02-16 17:43:26 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=52791 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 17160 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2024-02-11 03:32:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-11 03:32:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-table-of-contents-things-to-give-up-for-lent"><strong>Table of Contents</strong>: Things to Give Up for Lent</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#intro">Introduction</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#prayer-fasting-almsgiving">Lent's 3 Pillars: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#kids-fasting">Fasting Ideas for Kids/Teens</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#adult-fasting">Fasting Ideas for Adults</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#kids-prayers">Prayer Ideas for Kids/Teens</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#adult-prayers">Prayer Ideas for Adults</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#almsgiving-ideas">Almsgiving/Donation Ideas for Kids and Adults</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#catholic-charities">Catholic-Affiliated Charities</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="intro" class="">When <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/">Ash Wednesday</a> draws near, Catholics and other Christians seem to fall into two distinct groups when it comes to what to give up for <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The first group takes it down to the wire: Tuesday night, continuing an internal dialogue trying to figure out what Lenten sacrifice to make. It’s a conversation they have every year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">And it may includes lines you’ve said yourself in past years:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“I never know what to give up for Lent!”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The second group is dialed in on the start of Lent, ready to activate “Lent autopilot” and prepare to give up the same thing as last year. And two years ago. And <em>every</em> year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Lent is more than just “giving something up” and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-fasting-rules/">fasting</a> from meat on Fridays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"lent-embed"} --> <p class="lent-embed">In fact, Pope Francis challenges us to think about fasting as something more powerful than we normally consider it, <a href="https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/02/26/190226d.html">describing it</a> as “learning to change our attitude towards others and all of creation, turning away from the temptation to ‘devour’ everything to satisfy our voracity and being ready to suffer for love, which can fill the emptiness of our hearts.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">How often do we get caught up in our own wants and needs, lose sight of the heart of the matter, and fail to embrace the true meaning of our lives in this world! Lent is a time of truth, a time to drop the masks we put on each day to appear perfect in the eyes of the world.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite><a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023/documents/20230222-omelia-ceneri.html">Pope Francis - Ash Wednesday homily in 2023</a></cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">However, Lent can be an unhealthy time for those who struggle with scrupulosity, or it can be overwhelming to people who are already in a time of suffering. For some, the best Lent might be to make sure they get at least 7 hours of sleep or making the commitment to attend therapy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">At the start of Lent, we should ask ourselves - what pulls me away from loving God, loving others, and loving myself well? How can I incorporate acts of sacrifice, acts of giving, and acts of prayer that will help me love as God loves?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Giving thought to observing Lent is important. Whether you wait until the last minute to decide or you’ve known your Lenten sacrifice since <em>last</em> Lent, it’s worth spending time to thoughtfully consider how to make the most of your experience this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Because observing Lent is so much bigger than what you “give up.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/whattogiveupforlent">Commit to Prayer this Lent. Start Praying with Hallow.</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="prayer-fasting-almsgiving">Lent’s 3 Pillars: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we hunger–whether it be for food, technology, comfort–it can be a reminder that Jesus is the bread of life.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>John 6:35</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we sacrifice things that this world tells us we need, it can remind us that only God can truly satisfy our spiritual hunger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Lent’s three pillars are prayer, fasting and almsgiving–meaning that we’re called to do more than just abstain from a particular food or activity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It involves not only what we’re willing to give up, but what we’re willing to take on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we think about what to give up for Lent, we ought to also think about what sort of commitment to prayer and ability to be charitable that we can hold ourselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow provides numerous options for stepping up prayer during Lent. In the app, Hallow offers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Daily Gospel reflections</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Daily Rosary prayers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Daily Saint prayers</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-night-prayer/">Night Prayer</a> from Liturgy of the Hours</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">All of these options can help us commit to prayer during Lent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In addition to fasting and prayer, almsgiving is equally important during Lent, helping us deepen our relationship with God while working to build God’s kingdom here on earth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pope Francis sums up the powerful impact that almsgiving has:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">"Charitable giving makes us more human, whereas hoarding risks making us less human, imprisoned by our own selfishness" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite><a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/lent/documents/papa-francesco_20191007_messaggio-quaresima2020.html">Pope Francis, Lent Message 2020</a></cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Anyone can practice almsgiving, which is not limited to simply donating money.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Rather, practicing almsgiving can also mean donating one’s time in service, perhaps volunteering or serving those in need. Jesus tells us clearly in Matthew 25:40 that in serving those in need, we are serving him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez recognizes, there are unique spiritual gifts to directly encountering Christ in those around us in need that we can’t experience by simply making a donation from afar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“So you say you love the poor? Name them.” - Fr. Gustavo Gutierrez</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ideas for What to Give Up for Lent</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With the three pillars of Lent in mind, Hallow has suggestions for meaningful ways to observe Lent in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lent Fasting Ideas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="kids-fasting" class=""><strong>Kids / Teen Fasting Ideas </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up a favorite toy or game&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Fast from social media for a day</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up a favorite snack</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Drink only water at school&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up a favorite chair at home or seat at school</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Go without headphones/air pods for a day</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Play your favorite game, focusing on helping others instead of winning</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Allow others to pass in front of you in the lunch line&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="adult-fasting" class=""><strong>General Ideas for Lenten Sacrifices</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up coffee (or only brew it at home)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up alcohol</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up certain social media sites, or limited them to certain days/time of day</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give up electronics after a certain time in the day (i.e., no screens after 8 p.m.)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sleep without a pillow</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Wake up without hitting the snooze button</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shower without hot (with only lukewarm) water</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Keep the thermostat several degrees cooler&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Park in the back of the parking lot and say a prayer as you walk to the grocery store</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Abstain from reading gossip/rumor sites&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lent Prayer Ideas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="kids-prayers" class=""><strong>Kids/Teen Prayer Ideas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray on the way to school</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Play Guess the Saint each day</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pick a relative each day and pray for that person&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Call a grandparent after church and discuss the Gospel/homily</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Go to bed five minutes early and spend extra time talking with God&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Research the name of your church and learn about its origins</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pay special attention to the intercessions at Mass and choose one to pray for during the week</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Explore <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-kids/">Hallow Kids</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Go to confession</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Research organizations that support Catholic youth like <a href="https://lifeteen.com/">LifeTeen</a> and <a href="https://nfcym.org/">National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="adult-prayers" class=""><strong>Adult Prayer Ideas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Subscribe to a daily prayer newsletter (<a href="http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?pgid=9441&amp;gid=609&amp;cid=21893">Notre Dame</a> and the <a href="https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/tNwi9GA">Jesuits</a> both offer good options)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Each morning, scroll through the contacts on your phone. Randomly stop and say a prayer for whichever person you land on</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Spend a few minutes with Scripture each day&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Start the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/bible-in-a-year-with-father-mike-schmitz/">Bible in Year podcast</a> with Fr. Mike Schmitz on Hallow</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Attend daily Mass once a week</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Attend or pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a> every Friday&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Invite a friend to attend Mass with you&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Join the Bible study group at church</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Attend Adoration of the Eucharist</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Go to confession</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a> once a day</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-examen/">Daily Examen</a> on Hallow</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Join Hallow’s <a href="https://hallow.com/pray40/">#Pray40 Lent Challenge</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="almsgiving-ideas">Lent Almsgiving/Charity/Donation Ideas</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Kids/Teens/General Almsgiving Ideas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Spend time volunteering as a family</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Allow kids to be the one to place money in the basket during the offertory at Mass</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Introduce children to a charity and explain to them how and why to donate to it&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Have children identify a toy they are willing to donate to Goodwill</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Help children identify an article of clothing they can donate and explain that their donation can be a blessing to someone in need</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Create a jar to collect change to donate</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Donate food to a food bank</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Donate a service (free homework tutoring, free professional assistance, etc)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Give a smile to someone you pass who may be living on the street (instead of ignoring them)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Follow new charities on social media and engage with their posts&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Support a business that advertises in your parish bulletin&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="catholic-charities">Catholic-Affiliated Charities to Consider Donating to</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://crosscatholic.org/">Cross Catholic</a></strong> - Supports clean water initiatives in some of Africa’s poorest communities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://www.catholicextension.org/">Catholic Extension</a></strong> - Works in solidarity with people in America’s poorest regions to build up strong Catholic faith communities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://www.crs.org/">Catholic Relief Services</a></strong> - Carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="http://www.gabrielproject.org/"><strong>Gabriel Project</strong> </a>- Offers hope and assistance to any woman experiencing a crisis pregnancy.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://www.ncea.org/">National Catholic Educational Association</a></strong> - Strengthens Catholic school leaders and educators to help support the future of Catholic education.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://www.marysmeals.org/">Mary’s Meals</a></strong> - Provides meals to children in poverty, in recognition of Mary raising Jesus in poverty.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://www.kofc.org/en//index.html">Knights of Columbus</a></strong> - Fraternal service order of Catholic men that has been active since 1882.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://www.youngcatholicprofessionals.org/cpages/home">Young Catholic Professionals</a></strong> - Inspires and empowers young professional Catholics to work in witness for Christ.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/whattogiveupforlent">Pray with Hallow on Lent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>MORE:</strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">Lent Prayers for 2025</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => What to Give Up For Lent in 2025: Practical Fasting Ideas for Lent [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => what-to-give-up-for-lent [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2022/02/06/ash-wednesday/ https://hallow.com/2020/03/17/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/ https://hallow.com/2020/05/20/how-to-pray-with-kids/ [post_modified] => 2024-09-17 21:18:20 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-09-17 21:18:20 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=17160 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 11136 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2024-02-09 06:08:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-09 06:08:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ash-wednesday-2025-the-start-of-the-lenten-season">Ash Wednesday 2025: The start of the Lenten season</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><span style="font-size: revert; color: initial;">Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite><a href="https://catholicherald.co.uk/lent-comes-to-reawaken-us-pope-francis/">Pope Francis</a></cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Table of Contents</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#definition">What is Ash Wednesday? </a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Origin</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is Ash Wednesday a Holy Day of Obligation? </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Do I need to be Catholic to receive ashes?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#date">When is Ash Wednesday in 2025?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#importance">Why is Ash Wednesday important? </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#receiving-ashes">Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Where do the ashes come from? </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Where do the ashes go? </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What do the ashes symbolize?</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Where to get ashes near you</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#fasting-rules">Fasting on Ash Wednesday</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Why do Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday? </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Age requirement </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Meals</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#prayers">Ash Wednesday Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#observance">How else can I observe Ash Wednesday? </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="definition">What is Ash Wednesday?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In 2025, like in every year, Ash Wednesday is the first day of the liturgical season of <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a>. It always falls six and half weeks before Easter, beginning the Lenten season of preparation for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Origin </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Ash Wednesday <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-02/ash-wednesday-commentary.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dates</a> back to the 11th century. Yet, the tradition of receiving ashes has even earlier roots — to the ancient Hebrew custom of clothing oneself in sackcloth and dusting oneself with ashes as a sign of penance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/ashwednesdayblog">Begin Lent with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Bible does not explicitly detail this first day of Lent, but there are many instances of this repentant act in the Old Testament, such as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+16%3A15&amp;version=NRSVCE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Job 16:15</a>, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and have laid my strength in the dust.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite><p><em>Job 16:15</em></p></cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">and the New Testament, such as <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A13&amp;version=NRSVCE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke 10:13</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite><meta charset="utf-8">Luke 10:13</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Across many religious traditions, ashes signify the mortality of our human bodies. Genesis 3:19 tells us, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:pullquote --> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>By the sweat of your face<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;you shall eat bread<br>until you return to the ground,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;for out of it you were taken;<br>you are dust,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and to dust you shall return.</p><cite>Genesis 3:19</cite></blockquote></figure> <!-- /wp:pullquote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"lent-embed"} --> <p class="lent-embed">In the early Christian Church, public <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-go-to-confession-the-sacrament-of-penance-reconciliation/">penance</a> for people who had sinned including wearing ashes and sackcloth. As the Church grew and evolved, this practice lessened. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This long tradition — of externally recognizing ourselves as sinners seeking <meta charset="utf-8"><a href="http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&amp;gid=609&amp;calcid=53508&amp;calpgid=61&amp;pgid=13299&amp;crid=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewal</a> with God — ultimately transformed into what we now know as Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-ash-wednesday-a-catholic-holy-day-of-obligation-in-2025">Is Ash Wednesday a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation in 2025?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Ash Wednesday is <em>not</em> a <a href="https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/canon-law/complementary-norms/canon-1246" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holy Day of Obligation</a> for Roman Catholics, yet receiving ashes is a universal practice among Christians to begin their Lenten journeys. Most Catholic parishes offer Ash Wednesday Mass, and in some places, it is possible to receive ashes without attending Mass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Do I need to be Catholic to receive ashes?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="date" class="">You do not need to be Catholic to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday. Several other traditions within Christianity also share this act of repentance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>SEE MORE: </strong><a href="https://hallow.com/2021/02/15/ashtag2021/">Ashtags: Digital Ashes</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-is-ash-wednesday-in-2025">When is Ash Wednesday in 2025?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="importance" class="">This year, Ash Wednesday falls on March 5, 2025. <strong>SEE MORE:</strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/when-is-lent/">When is Lent in 2025?</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why is Ash Wednesday important? </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday awakens us to Jesus’ entry into the desert preceding his death. Before Easter, however, we must prepare our hearts for his Resurrection. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="receiving-ashes" class="">We begin our season of preparing our hearts for Easter by recognizing our brokenness and need for <a href="http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/interior.aspx?sid=1210&amp;gid=609&amp;calcid=53508&amp;calpgid=61&amp;pgid=13299&amp;crid=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conversion, </a>a turning of our hearts to God. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":11185,"width":"675px","height":"482px","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"center","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/photo-1589395937646-cc70671eca60.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-11185" style="width:675px;height:482px"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where do the ashes come from?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/palm-sunday/">Palm Sunday</a> is the Sunday before Easter. It symbolizes Christ’s return to Jerusalem after spending 40 days in the desert. In the Catholic tradition, we receive palm leaves, which have been blessed, to hold onto during Mass and bring home. The leftover palms from Palm Sunday are then burned and saved for the next Lenten season. So, this year’s ashes are from the palms of Palm Sunday of 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Where do the ashes go?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It is typical to receive ashes on your forehead in the Sign of the Cross. Similar to taking communion at Mass, you usually process toward the altar to get ashes. The priest will make the Sign of the Cross and say one of two things:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>“Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return."</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>"Repent, and believe in the Gospel."</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">What do the ashes symbolize?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The ashes symbolize our mortality. They are a physical reminder that our bodies will decay, but our souls will live on in eternal life. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Fr. Antony Kadavil further <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-02/ash-wednesday-commentary.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflects</a> on the symbol of the cross of ashes on our foreheads, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote" id="fasting-rules"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The cross of ashes means that we are making a commitment – that we are undertaking Lent as a season of prayer and penitence, of dying to ourselves. It also describes our human condition: it says that we are broken and need repair; that we are sinners and need redemption. Most importantly, it tells us that, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to carry our crosses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite><meta charset="utf-8">Fr. Antony Kadavil</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Where to get ashes nearby </strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Most Catholic churches will expand their liturgical schedule on Ash Wednesday. There are many options for finding ashes on Ash Wednesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow has a full breakdown for <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/where-to-get-ashes-on-ash-wednesday/">where to get ashes</a> for Ash Wednesday in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/ashwednesdayblog">Pray more. Find peace. Get Hallow.</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fasting on Ash Wednesday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There are only two obligatory days of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Catholics are also instructed to abstain from meat on each Friday during Lent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>SEE ALSO:</strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">What to Give Up for Lent</a> | <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-fasting-rules/">Lent Fasting Rules</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why do Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Fasting is a sign of repentance and helps us embody our spiritual hunger for Christ, who himself fasted in the desert for forty days preceding his death and Resurrection. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Age requirement</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Catholic Church <a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/lent/catholic-information-on-lenten-fast-and-abstinence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">requires</a> able members from age 18 to 59 to fast on Ash Wednesday. The obligation to abstain from meat applies to those 14 and older. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Meals </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="observance" class="">Fasting allows for one full meal and two smaller meals (that combined do not equal a full meal), with an expectation to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday. Exemptions are available for those with special physical needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="prayers" class="">In certain situations, bishops can offer a formal dispensation, allowing Catholics to eat meat. This <a href="https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/catholics-can-eat-meat-during-lent-nj-bishop-says-were-sacrificing-enough-for-coronavirus.html">happened</a> in some dioceses during the initial outbreak of Covid-19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ash Wednesday Prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Ash Wednesday, as the first day of Lent, is a great time to begin a renewed commitment to prayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Ash Wednesday prayers can include <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">saying the rosary</a>, the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a> or beginning with <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">Lent prayers</a> for 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How else can I observe Ash Wednesday?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In addition to fasting and attending Mass (or a service where ashes are distributed), you can recognize Ash Wednesday through prayer and almsgiving—the other two pillars of Lenten observance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In prayer, consider listening to the Daily Gospel or engaging in Spiritual Writing to discern what you’d like to focus on in your relationship with Christ this Lent. If you’re not sure where to start, we guide you through both of these prayer methods, in addition to many others, on Hallow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> [post_title] => Ash Wednesday 2025 - The First Day of Lent [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => ash-wednesday [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/02/15/ashtag2021/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ https://hallow.com/2022/02/05/lent-prayers/ [post_modified] => 2024-09-17 21:16:57 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-09-17 21:16:57 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=11136 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 51925 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2024-02-05 22:38:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-05 22:38:07 [post_content] => <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fat-tuesday-guide"><strong>Fat Tuesday Guide</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Introduction</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#history">Mardi Gras History</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#around-the-world">Fat Tuesday Around the World</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#how-to-celebrate">How to Celebrate Fat Tuesday</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#faqs">Fat Tuesday FAQs</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Fat Tuesday is better known by its French translation, Mardi Gras. It takes place on the final day before <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/">Ash Wednesday</a>, which marks the beginning of the liturgical season of <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, Fat Tuesday has a rich history in both the U.S. and across the world and represents a day when Catholics and other Christians come together in celebration before the more subdued observance of Lent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="history">Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras History in New Orleans</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Fat Tuesday in America predates the birth of the U.S. Some form of Fat Tuesday celebration has been taking place in New Orleans <a href="https://www.neworleans.com/events/holidays-seasonal/mardi-gras/history-and-traditions/past-and-present/">since 1699</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Back then, the celebrations stretched from the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-epiphany/">Epiphany (or 3 Kings Day)</a>, which is sometimes referred to as the 12th Night (a reference to the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/schedule-catholic-christmas-season-octave/">12 Days of Christmas</a>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"lent-embed"} --> <p class="lent-embed">According to Reid Mitchell, author of “All on a Mardi Gras Day,” festivals were common throughout the year in New Orleans, but those taking place during Mardi Gras separated themselves thanks to the more elaborate costumery.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“The end of Carnival and the arrival of Lent meant only the end of masked balls; public balls continued,” <a href="https://www.google.com/books/edition/All_on_a_Mardi_Gras_Day/dz1SUIbn3MAC?hl=en&amp;gbpv=1&amp;bsq=catholic">he wrote</a>. “What distinguished dances between Twelfth Night and Ash Wednesday was that they were <em>bals masque</em>, or costume balls.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Notable Fat Tuesday celebrations throughout history include the festivities in 1804, the first with Louisiana as a part of America. The first modern Mardi Gras <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/19/us/nationalspecial/in-mardi-gras-a-city-learns-to-party-again.html">took place in 1857</a>. The 1946 celebration <a href="https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/mardi-gras-canceled-world-war-ii">marked the first Mardi Gras in four years</a> after being canceled in 1942 due to World War II.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Few people realize that the colors of beads tossed around at Mardi Gras have <a href="https://www.archindy.org/criterion/local/2021/02-12/reflection.html">religious significance</a>. The official colors are purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. Shirley Henderson, former communications director for the Diocese of Biloxi (adjacent to New Orleans, <a href="https://www.usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/catholic-home-missions-appeal/upload/CHMA_Winter2012.pdf">said that</a>, despite seeming secular, Mardi Gras is actually “a kind of evangelizing.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While Mardi Gras is now synonymous with New Orleans, the broader idea of Fat Tuesday is something observed in many places across the world.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="around-the-world">Fat Tuesday’s Catholic Roots Around the World</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Brazil has Carnival; Italy, Martedi Grasso. It’s also known as Pancake Day in some parts of the world.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Fat Tuesday is also called Shrove Tuesday. According to the <a href="https://www.dolr.org/article/mardi-gras-began-preparation-lent-2022">Diocese of Little Rock</a>, Shrove Tuesday comes from the term “to shrive,” meaning “to confess,” or to hear confessions–a way to prepare our hearts for the beginning of Lent dating back to the Middle Ages.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The name Pancake Day <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/kids/articles/shrove-tuesday-a-day-of-forgiveness-and-pancakes">comes from</a> the tradition of people returning home after the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-go-to-confession-the-sacrament-of-penance-reconciliation/">sacrament of confession</a> and enjoying a big feast of pancakes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It’s not coincidental that the last day before Lent, a period marked by solemness and penitence, has been one that different countries have embraced as a day of merriment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“It was natural to develop a festival, a ‘last fling,’ before the prayerful fasting and abstinence of Lent,” <a href="https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/mardigras.html">according to</a> Creighton Online Ministries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There’s also an element of using up some of the tempting items of food and drink in the house before Lent begins–as well as using them before they might spoil over the 40 days of Lent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While Fat Tuesday should not be a day of raucous, unbridled excess and pleasure, it’s a day that can be observed with plenty of traditional celebrations held dear by Catholics and other Christians for centuries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-to-celebrate">How to Celebrate Fat Tuesday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Since Fat Tuesday is the last day in ordinary time before the season shifts to Lent, the most important way to observe Fat Tuesday is by making sure you’re prepared for Lent. It’s a day when people often decide <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/what-to-give-up-for-lent/">what to give up for Lent</a> and brush up on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-fasting-rules/">Lent fasting rules</a> or <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/where-to-get-ashes-on-ash-wednesday/">where to get ashes</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Celebrating the day itself can often be a communal experience.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Polish communities sometimes call Fat Tuesday Paczki Day, a reference to the cream or&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">jelly-filled doughnut traditionally eaten this day. Many churches will celebrate “Paczki Day” by sharing the pastries after Mass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In cities with large Polish populations, like Chicago, paczki <a href="https://religionnews.com/2020/02/25/packzi-day-brings-chicagoans-together-before-lent-begins/">can seemingly unite</a> an entire city on Fat Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In Texas and parts of the South, king cake is a popular Fat Tuesday indulgence. With Mexican roots tying the cake to “rosca de reyes,” a cake traditionally served on 3 Kings Day, the king cake is <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/28/dining/rosca-de-reyes-recipe.html">shaped like a ring</a> to represent God’s infinite love and contains a plastic figurine of Jesus.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Whoever gets the piece with the figure of Jesus receives good luck and must host the next gathering with friends and family.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“Pancake Supper” is another popular tradition that some Catholic parishes (as well as Episcopal churches) will observe on Shrove Tuesday.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="faqs">Frequently Asked Questions about Fat Tuesday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:yoast/faq-block {"questions":[{"id":"faq-question-1707172401226","question":["When is Fat Tuesday in 2025?"],"answer":["In 2025, Fat Tuesday takes place on March 4. It always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday."],"jsonQuestion":"When is Fat Tuesday in 2025?","jsonAnswer":"In 2025, Fat Tuesday takes place on March 4. It always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday."},{"id":"faq-question-1707172409270","question":["What can you not eat on Fat Tuesday?"],"answer":["There are fasting guidelines on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, but Fat Tuesday generally does not have restrictions on what to eat."],"jsonQuestion":"What can you not eat on Fat Tuesday?","jsonAnswer":"There are fasting guidelines on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, but Fat Tuesday generally does not have restrictions on what to eat."},{"id":"faq-question-1707172416823","question":["Why are pancakes eaten on Shrove Tuesday?"],"answer":["Pancakes have a long history as a Fat/Shrove Tuesday meal. They are a rich food often made with eggs, butter, and some sugar, ingredients traditionally used less often in Lent."],"jsonQuestion":"Why are pancakes eaten on Shrove Tuesday?","jsonAnswer":"Pancakes have a long history as a Fat/Shrove Tuesday meal. They are a rich food often made with eggs, butter, and some sugar, ingredients traditionally used less often in Lent."},{"id":"faq-question-1707172423888","question":["Why do Christians celebrate Fat Tuesday? "],"answer":["Fat Tuesday celebrations take place as a way for people to come together and share a celebratory day before the more somber, penitential period of Lent."],"jsonQuestion":"Why do Christians celebrate Fat Tuesday? ","jsonAnswer":"Fat Tuesday celebrations take place as a way for people to come together and share a celebratory day before the more somber, penitential period of Lent."},{"id":"faq-question-1707172430644","question":["What is the difference between Fat Tuesday and Fat Thursday?"],"answer":["In some cultures, Fat Thursday is the final Thursday before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It takes place several days earlier than Fat Tuesday but contains many of the same celebrations."],"jsonQuestion":"What is the difference between Fat Tuesday and Fat Thursday?","jsonAnswer":"In some cultures, Fat Thursday is the final Thursday before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It takes place several days earlier than Fat Tuesday but contains many of the same celebrations."}]} --> <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1707172401226"><strong class="schema-faq-question">When is Fat Tuesday in 2025?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In 2025, Fat Tuesday takes place on March 4. It always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1707172409270"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What can you not eat on Fat Tuesday?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">There are fasting guidelines on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent, but Fat Tuesday generally does not have restrictions on what to eat.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1707172416823"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Why are pancakes eaten on Shrove Tuesday?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Pancakes have a long history as a Fat/Shrove Tuesday meal. They are a rich food often made with eggs, butter, and some sugar, ingredients traditionally used less often in Lent.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1707172423888"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Why do Christians celebrate Fat Tuesday? </strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Fat Tuesday celebrations take place as a way for people to come together and share a celebratory day before the more somber, penitential period of Lent.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1707172430644"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is the difference between Fat Tuesday and Fat Thursday?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In some cultures, Fat Thursday is the final Thursday before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. It takes place several days earlier than Fat Tuesday but contains many of the same celebrations.</p> </div> </div> <!-- /wp:yoast/faq-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-lent-resources">More Lent Resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">Lent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/where-to-get-ashes-on-ash-wednesday/">Where to Get Ashes on Ash Wednesday</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">Surrender Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Fat Tuesday 2025: Catholic Guide to Mardi Gras (or Shrove Tuesday) [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => fat-tuesday [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-09-18 19:46:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-09-18 19:46:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=51925 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 31186 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2024-02-05 01:53:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-05 01:53:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Along with prayer and almsgiving, fasting is one of the three pillars of <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In a <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/messages/lent/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20071030_lent-2008.html">message for Lent in 2008</a>, Pope Benedict XVI described these as “specific tasks that accompany the faithful concretely in this process of interior renewal.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">A decade earlier, <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/john-paul-ii/">St. (Pope) John Paul II</a> described Lent as a “commitment to a new life, inspired by Gospel values,” moving away from selfishness and drawing closer to the path Christ.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"lent-embed"} --> <p class="lent-embed">That path, according to Pope John Paul II, can be summarized in the words of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, with fasting consisting of moderation in food and lifestyle as “a sincere effort to remove from our hearts all that is the result of sin and inclines us to evil.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Prayer and almsgiving may be easier to fully grasp than fasting, for which the Church has provided specific rules and guidelines to help shape our Lenten journey towards renewal. In 2025, Hallow’s <a href="https://hallow.com/pray40/">Pray40</a> Lent prayer challenge focuses on prayer, fasting and almsgiving.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Here’s an overview of common questions about Lent fasting rules to guide your observance in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lent-fasting-rules-frequently-asked-questions">Lent Fasting Rules: Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:yoast/faq-block {"questions":[{"id":"faq-question-1675558433476","question":["What Is Fasting?"],"answer":["In the Catholic Church, fasting is a practice in self-discipline with a penitential focus. In the context of Lent, it refers to reducing food intake and limiting how many meals we have."],"jsonQuestion":"What Is Fasting?","jsonAnswer":"In the Catholic Church, fasting is a practice in self-discipline with a penitential focus. In the context of Lent, it refers to reducing food intake and limiting how many meals we have."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558441583","question":["What are the Lent fasting rules?"],"answer":["On ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/","children":["Ash Wednesday"]}}," and ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/","children":["Good Friday"]}},", fasting rules allow Catholics to eat only one full meal and two smaller meals which, combined, would not equal a single normal meal. Additionally, Catholics may not eat meat on these two days–or on any Friday during Lent."],"jsonQuestion":"What are the Lent fasting rules?","jsonAnswer":"On \u003ca href=\u0022https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/\u0022\u003eAsh Wednesday\u003c/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\u0022https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/\u0022\u003eGood Friday\u003c/a\u003e, fasting rules allow Catholics to eat only one full meal and two smaller meals which, combined, would not equal a single normal meal. Additionally, Catholics may not eat meat on these two days–or on any Friday during Lent."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558449152","question":["What are the Lent rules on abstinence?"],"answer":["In this context, abstinence refers to “abstaining” from meat on Fridays during Lent. Whereas Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with just one large meal, Catholics must refrain from eating meat on other Fridays, though they can have three full meals."],"jsonQuestion":"What are the Lent rules on abstinence?","jsonAnswer":"In this context, abstinence refers to “abstaining” from meat on Fridays during Lent. Whereas Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with just one large meal, Catholics must refrain from eating meat on other Fridays, though they can have three full meals."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558459616","question":["At what age do you start fasting for Lent?"],"answer":["Those ages 18-59, in reasonable health, are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those 14 and older must abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. Canon Law does mention that for young children not fasting, parents should still communicate the meaning and penance."],"jsonQuestion":"At what age do you start fasting for Lent?","jsonAnswer":"Those ages 18-59, in reasonable health, are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those 14 and older must abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. Canon Law does mention that for young children not fasting, parents should still communicate the meaning and penance."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558478338","question":["Who is exempt from fasting during Lent?"],"answer":["Children, adults with physical and mental illness, pregnant women and those nursing are all exempt. The USCCB stresses that “common sense should prevail” and that no one should jeopardize their health to fast."],"jsonQuestion":"Who is exempt from fasting during Lent?","jsonAnswer":"Children, adults with physical and mental illness, pregnant women and those nursing are all exempt. The USCCB stresses that “common sense should prevail” and that no one should jeopardize their health to fast."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558495217","question":["When is fasting over?"],"answer":["Lent ends on Holy Thursday, but Lenten fasting (and personal commitments) usually continues until Easter. Papal document ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/preparation-and-celebration-of-the-easter-feasts-2169","children":["Paschalis Solemnitatis"]}}," recommends this in order that we “with uplifted and welcoming heart be ready to celebrate the joys of the Sunday of the resurrection.”"],"jsonQuestion":"When is fasting over?","jsonAnswer":"Lent ends on Holy Thursday, but Lenten fasting (and personal commitments) usually continues until Easter. Papal document \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/preparation-and-celebration-of-the-easter-feasts-2169\u0022\u003ePaschalis Solemnitatis\u003c/a\u003e recommends this in order that we “with uplifted and welcoming heart be ready to celebrate the joys of the Sunday of the resurrection.”"},{"id":"faq-question-1675558511688","question":["Can you eat meat on Good Friday?"],"answer":["On the one hand, Good Friday is part of the ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/","children":["Easter Triduum"]}},", which marks the end of Lent. However, since Good Friday itself is a day of abstinence, it’s best to abstain from meat, as in the Fridays of Lent. "],"jsonQuestion":"Can you eat meat on Good Friday?","jsonAnswer":"On the one hand, Good Friday is part of the \u003ca href=\u0022https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/\u0022\u003eEaster Triduum\u003c/a\u003e, which marks the end of Lent. However, since Good Friday itself is a day of abstinence, it’s best to abstain from meat, as in the Fridays of Lent. "},{"id":"faq-question-1675558535376","question":["Do Sundays count for fasting?"],"answer":["It’s been a custom for Catholics to give something up during Lent, in addition to the fastings and abstinence rules. Some keep their sacrifice continuously, but Sundays during Lent are not “prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.” Ultimately, it’s a personal decision."],"jsonQuestion":"Do Sundays count for fasting?","jsonAnswer":"It’s been a custom for Catholics to give something up during Lent, in addition to the fastings and abstinence rules. Some keep their sacrifice continuously, but Sundays during Lent are not “prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.” Ultimately, it’s a personal decision."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558558032","question":["Are fish frys OK?"],"answer":["Since serves fish instead of meat, your local church fish fry is a fine option for Fridays during Lent. Because the Lent season is one rooted in penance, a modest meal at your parish is probably a better option than a lavish seafood feast at a fine restaurant. "],"jsonQuestion":"Are fish frys OK?","jsonAnswer":"Since serves fish instead of meat, your local church fish fry is a fine option for Fridays during Lent. Because the Lent season is one rooted in penance, a modest meal at your parish is probably a better option than a lavish seafood feast at a fine restaurant. "},{"id":"faq-question-1675558576655","question":["Does “abstinence” apply to sex? Do Catholics need to abstain from sex during Lent?"],"answer":["No. Abstinence refers to food. ",{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-25-me-35840-story.html","children":["Some parish birth records"]}}," from the Middle Ages show that births declined nine months after Lent and rose nine months after Easter, so there may be some historical precedent for the practice."],"jsonQuestion":"Does “abstinence” apply to sex? Do Catholics need to abstain from sex during Lent?","jsonAnswer":"No. Abstinence refers to food. \u003cbr/\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-25-me-35840-story.html\u0022\u003eSome parish birth records\u003c/a\u003e from the Middle Ages show that births declined nine months after Lent and rose nine months after Easter, so there may be some historical precedent for the practice."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558599376","question":["What can you drink on Ash Wednesday? What are the fasting rules around liquids like coffee?"],"answer":["Normal rules around fasting before receiving Communion (abstaining from food an hour before Mass) apply during Lent. Outside of that, there are no specific rules around liquids, so coffee, tea and soda are fine. A smoothie that constitutes a meal would probably count as food."],"jsonQuestion":"What can you drink on Ash Wednesday? What are the fasting rules around liquids like coffee?","jsonAnswer":"Normal rules around fasting before receiving Communion (abstaining from food an hour before Mass) apply during Lent. Outside of that, there are no specific rules around liquids, so coffee, tea and soda are fine. A smoothie that constitutes a meal would probably count as food."},{"id":"faq-question-1675558619663","question":["What are the fasting rules around alcohol? "],"answer":["The Church does not specifically limit alcohol. A person’s personal discretion is best. "],"jsonQuestion":"What are the fasting rules around alcohol? ","jsonAnswer":"The Church does not specifically limit alcohol. A person’s personal discretion is best. "}]} --> <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558433476"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What Is Fasting?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In the Catholic Church, fasting is a practice in self-discipline with a penitential focus. In the context of Lent, it refers to reducing food intake and limiting how many meals we have.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558441583"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the Lent fasting rules?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">On <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/ash-wednesday/">Ash Wednesday</a> and <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/good-friday-the-passion-of-christ/">Good Friday</a>, fasting rules allow Catholics to eat only one full meal and two smaller meals which, combined, would not equal a single normal meal. Additionally, Catholics may not eat meat on these two days–or on any Friday during Lent.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558449152"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the Lent rules on abstinence?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In this context, abstinence refers to “abstaining” from meat on Fridays during Lent. Whereas Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday with just one large meal, Catholics must refrain from eating meat on other Fridays, though they can have three full meals.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558459616"><strong class="schema-faq-question">At what age do you start fasting for Lent?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Those ages 18-59, in reasonable health, are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those 14 and older must abstain from meat on Fridays during Lent. Canon Law does mention that for young children not fasting, parents should still communicate the meaning and penance.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558478338"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Who is exempt from fasting during Lent?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Children, adults with physical and mental illness, pregnant women and those nursing are all exempt. The USCCB stresses that “common sense should prevail” and that no one should jeopardize their health to fast.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558495217"><strong class="schema-faq-question">When is fasting over?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Lent ends on Holy Thursday, but Lenten fasting (and personal commitments) usually continues until Easter. Papal document <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/preparation-and-celebration-of-the-easter-feasts-2169">Paschalis Solemnitatis</a> recommends this in order that we “with uplifted and welcoming heart be ready to celebrate the joys of the Sunday of the resurrection.”</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558511688"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Can you eat meat on Good Friday?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">On the one hand, Good Friday is part of the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/">Easter Triduum</a>, which marks the end of Lent. However, since Good Friday itself is a day of abstinence, it’s best to abstain from meat, as in the Fridays of Lent. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558535376"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Do Sundays count for fasting?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">It’s been a custom for Catholics to give something up during Lent, in addition to the fastings and abstinence rules. Some keep their sacrifice continuously, but Sundays during Lent are not “prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.” Ultimately, it’s a personal decision.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558558032"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Are fish frys OK?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Since serves fish instead of meat, your local church fish fry is a fine option for Fridays during Lent. Because the Lent season is one rooted in penance, a modest meal at your parish is probably a better option than a lavish seafood feast at a fine restaurant. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558576655"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Does “abstinence” apply to sex? Do Catholics need to abstain from sex during Lent?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">No. Abstinence refers to food. <br/><br/><a href="https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-25-me-35840-story.html">Some parish birth records</a> from the Middle Ages show that births declined nine months after Lent and rose nine months after Easter, so there may be some historical precedent for the practice.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558599376"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What can you drink on Ash Wednesday? What are the fasting rules around liquids like coffee?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Normal rules around fasting before receiving Communion (abstaining from food an hour before Mass) apply during Lent. Outside of that, there are no specific rules around liquids, so coffee, tea and soda are fine. A smoothie that constitutes a meal would probably count as food.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1675558619663"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the fasting rules around alcohol? </strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">The Church does not specifically limit alcohol. A person’s personal discretion is best. </p> </div> </div> <!-- /wp:yoast/faq-block --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/lentfastingrules">Pray and Fast with Hallow this Lent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-helpful-lent-resources"><strong>More Helpful Lent Resources</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">Lent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/what-to-give-up-for-lent/">What to Give Up for Lent</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/where-to-get-ashes-on-ash-wednesday/">Where to Get Ashes on Ash Wednesday</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-week-schedule/">Holy Week Guide</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Lent Fasting Rules: Catholic Rules for Fasting During Lent in 2025 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => lent-fasting-rules [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-09-18 19:47:14 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-09-18 19:47:14 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=31186 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 24049 [post_author] => 18 [post_date] => 2024-02-04 00:15:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2024-02-04 00:15:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Good Friday 202</strong>5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The&nbsp;crucifix does not signify defeat&nbsp;or&nbsp;failure. It reveals to us the Love that overcomes evil and sin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Table of Contents</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#what-is">What is Good Friday? </a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#triduum">Is Good Friday part of the Paschal Triduum?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#holy-day">Is Good Friday a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation? </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#when-is-good-friday">When is Good Friday in 2022? </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#significance">What is the significance of Good Friday? </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#fasting-abstinence">Fasting &amp; Abstinence </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#liturgy-service">Good Friday Service</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#prayers">Prayer </a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#stations">Stations of the Cross </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#divine-mercy-novena">Divine Mercy Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="what-is">What is Good Friday?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Good Friday, formally known as the Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion, recognizes the day of Christ’s crucifixion — the most solemn day of the year for Christians. It is a day for us to turn our gaze to the cross and recognize Christ’s most loving sacrifice for us after dwelling with him through <a href="https://hallow.com/lent/">Lent</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/augustine-of-hippo/">St. Augustine of Hippo</a> <a href="https://catholicgentleman.com/2015/04/our-only-hope-25-quotes-about-the-cross/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a>, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:pullquote --> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>As they were looking on, so we too gaze on his wounds as he hangs. We see his blood as he dies. We see the price offered by the redeemer, touch the scars of his resurrection. He bows his head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that he may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption. Ponder how great these things are. Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as he was once fixed to the cross in every part of his body for you, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul.</p><cite>St. Augustine of Hippo</cite></blockquote></figure> <!-- /wp:pullquote --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="triduum">Is Good Friday part of the Paschal Triduum?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Yes, Good Friday is at the heart of the Paschal Triduum. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Day 1: dusk on Holy Thursday — dusk on Good Friday (Crucifixion)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Day 2: dusk on Good Friday — dusk on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/easter-vigil/">Holy Saturday</a> (Death)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Day 3: dusk on Holy Saturday — dusk on <a href="https://hallow.com/easter/">Easter Sunday</a> (Resurrection)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="holy-day">Is Good Friday a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">No, Good Friday is not a Catholic <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-days-of-obligation/">Holy Day of Obligation</a>. The Church, however, encourages us to recognize Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us and to prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="when-is-good-friday">When is Good Friday in 2025?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This year, Good Friday falls on April 18.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="significance">What is the significance of Good Friday?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Good Friday is, above all, the day in which we recognize Christ’s ultimate, loving sacrifice for each of us: His death on the cross. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As St. Paul <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A15&amp;version=NRSVACE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">writes</a> in his second letter to the Corinthians, “And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.” (2 Cor. 5:15)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Like Lent, Catholics recognize this day through fasting, abstinence, and prayer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="fasting-abstinence">Fasting &amp; Abstinence</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Catholic Church obligates its members to fast and abstain from meat on Good Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="observance" class="">Fasting allows for one full meal and two smaller meals (that combined do not equal a full meal), with an expectation to abstain from meat on Good Friday. Exemptions are available for those with special physical needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="liturgy-service">Good Friday Service</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Although Good Friday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, many Catholics still attend a service on this solemn day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While this service is similar to a Mass with a liturgy, intercessory prayers, and communion, the Eucharist is never consecrated <em>on</em> Good Friday. (Consecrating the Eucharist is what differentiates the Mass from the service.) The Eucharist is typically consecrated the day before, on <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-thursday/">Holy Thursday</a>, and then distributed on Good Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Attending a <a href="https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56093/the-significance-of-good-friday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Good Friday service</a> is a profoundly humbling experience. There is no entry procession, no music, the altar is bare, and the tabernacle stands open and empty. Many services also include a Veneration of the Cross, in which we approach the crucifix one-by-one and kiss the feet of Christ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Read more about the significance of the service from the <a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year-and-calendar/triduum/roman-missal-and-the-good-friday-liturgy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USCCB</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="prayers">Prayer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We turn to Christ in silence during this most solemn day to adore Him. We remember His sacrifice for us. We ask Him for strength and grace. We glorify Him, who has saved us from our sins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There are many different ways to pray this Good Friday — <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a>, Spiritual Writing, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-music/">Prayer with Music</a>, and more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>MORE PRAYERS: </strong><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/lent-prayers/">Lent Prayers for 2025</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Also, consider meditating on the last 14 moments of Christ’s Life (Stations of the Cross) and begin the Divine Mercy Novena:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="stations">Stations of the Cross</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many Catholics pray the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a> on Good Friday at 3:00 p.m. when Christ died on the cross. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Most parishes hold Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent. Services can take place inside or outdoors. If you’re unable to attend in person, consider praying the Stations of the Cross on Hallow with a guide of your choosing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="divine-mercy-novena">Divine Mercy Novena</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Consider beginning the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Novena</a> on Good Friday. Christ instructed <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/faustina/">St. Faustina</a> to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet from Good Friday to the Sunday after Easter, “Divine Mercy Sunday.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>See:</strong> <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novenas/">How to Pray: A Novena</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can pray the Stations of the Cross and the Divine Mercy Novena on Hallow. We look forward to praying with you this Good Friday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/blogdownload">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>More Prayers</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/easter-prayers/">Easter Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-night-prayer/">Night Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/">Lectio Divina</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/">Stations of the Cross</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/eucharist-holy-communion-adoration-prayer/">Eucharist Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> [post_title] => Good Friday 2025 - The Passion of Christ [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => good-friday-the-passion-of-christ [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2019/09/25/how-to-pray-night-prayer/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ https://hallow.com/2020/01/09/how-to-pray-lectio-divina/ https://hallow.com/2022/02/05/lent-prayers/ https://hallow.com/2020/03/17/how-to-pray-stations-of-the-cross/ https://hallow.com/2020/12/14/how-to-pray-with-music/ [post_modified] => 2025-02-04 01:39:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2025-02-04 01:39:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=24049 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )