So just what is Lent?

By Euro Weekly News Media • 14 March 2019 • 9:43

GIVING: The practice of Lent was not formalised until the First Council of Nicaea in 325AD. Photo: Shutterstock

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