Lent is a period of fasting and penitence observed by Christians in preparation for Easter.

The original period of Lent was 40 hours.

It was spent in fasting to commemorate the suffering of Christ and the 40 hours he spent in the tomb.

In the very early days of the church, it was a time to  prepare for Baptism. Today our church emphasizes penitence.

The 40-day period begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. The ceremonies of Holy Week commemorate the passion and death of Jesus Christ.