So just what is Lent?

LENT is the period of penitential preparation for Easter.

It begins six-and-a-half weeks before Easter on Ash Wednesday.

This allows time for a 40 day fast (Sundays are excluded). It is in imitation of Jesus Christ’s fasting when he was in the wilderness.

The practice of Lent was not formalised until the First Council of Nicaea in 325AD, although a period of fasting had probably been observed since earliest Christian times.

In the Western church only Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are now kept as Lenten fast days. However, the emphasis on penitential practice and alms giving remains, and many Catholics also observe a meatless fast on Fridays during Lent.

Many people also give up alcohol or chocolate or another ‘treat’ for Lent. But in keeping with the principle of alms giving we think it is a good idea to give one item from your home to charity each day through Lent.

In case you are missing inspiration, here are some charities to choose from in Spain:

MALLORCA

Fundacion Allen Graham Charity 4 Kidz

Dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young adults in Mallorca to ensure they have a secure future. 

Ctra. Andratx, 12, 07181 Portals Nous, Illes Balears

https://www.facebook.com/allengraham4kidz/

Calanova Cancer Care Charity Shop

Avinguda de Joan Miró, 358, 07015 Palma, Illes Balears

All proceeds go to associations involved in the fight against cancer.

https://www.facebook.com/Cala-Nova-Cancer-Care-Charity-Shop-258747514231430/

COSTA DEL SOL

Cudeca cancer charity

https://www.cudeca.org/

Palente con Sarah

https://somostuola.es/en/forward-with-sarah/

Lux Mundi (homeless shelter in Fuengirola)

http://lux-mundi.org/en/groups-and-support/

Foundation for Abandoned and Mistreated Animals (FAMA)

http://www.famaspain.com/

ALMERIA

MACS

An Almeria based support group for cancer sufferers

634 328 334

PAWS-PATAS (Animal shelter)

info@paws-patas.org

www.paws-patas.org

Albox Animal Protection Society (APSA)

677 601 588

Age Support Almanzora

634 316 573 – Facebook: ASA Albox

Vera & District Lions

Humanitarian support organisation 

950 439 324/950 069 249

AXARQUIA

Cudeca Foundation

Edif. Jamaica, c/ Infante, 21, Bajo, 29740 Torre del Mar, Malaga, Málaga

Tail Torrox

Avenida El Faro 10, Torrox Costa, 29793, (opposite Russell’s English Shop)

Action for Animals Charity Shop

Avenida de la Constitucion 59, Competa 29754 (Malaga)

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Help Vega Baja

Calle Lope de Vega 46, 03193, San Miguel de Salinas, Alicante

Tel: 966 723 733 Email: office@helpvegabaja.com

Reach Out Torrevieja

Calle Bella Antonia 1, 03183, Torrevieja, Alicante

https://www.reachouttorrevieja.eu/

Tel: 965 713 063 Email. info@reachouttorrevieja.eu

Age Concern

Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur

C/Paganini s/n
La Siesta
03184 Torrevieja
(Alicante)
Spain
Tel/Fax: (34) 966 786 887E-mail: costablanca@ageconcern.org.es