When Does Lent Start in the Catholic Church? Key Dates Explained

Discover when Lent starts in the Catholic Church, its significance, and how the date varies each year before Easter.

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Lent in the Catholic Church starts on Ash Wednesday, which falls 46 days before Easter. The exact date varies each year, depending on the date of Easter Sunday. For 2023, Lent begins on February 22nd. It's a period of reflection, prayer, and fasting leading up to Easter.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is Lent in the Catholic Church? Lent is a 40-day period of reflection, prayer, and fasting observed by Catholics leading up to Easter Sunday.
  2. Why does the date of Lent change every year? Lent starts 46 days before Easter, which is a movable feast determined by the lunar calendar, causing Lent’s start date to vary annually.
  3. What activities do Catholics traditionally observe during Lent? Catholics traditionally engage in fasting, prayer, repentance, and acts of charity during Lent as a preparation for Easter.