Lent in the Catholic tradition is more than a countdown to Easter—it’s a 40‑day spiritual journey marked by prayer, fasting, and deliberate self‑denial. It begins on Ash Wednesday, when Catholics receive ashes as a stark reminder of human frailty and the call to conversion: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
One detail many people miss is the ending point. While it’s common to think Lent runs right up to Easter, Lent actually ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. What follows—the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday night through Easter Sunday)—is its own distinct and solemn celebration of the heart of the Christian faith.
During Lent, Catholics take on practices meant to sharpen the soul and simplify life. Many abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and every Friday, and those who are obligated also fast on Ash Wednesday (and, in many places, Good Friday). Along the way, parishes emphasize repentance, charity, and preparation for Easter—especially through the renewal of baptismal promises, a reminder that Lent isn’t just about “giving something up,” but about returning to the identity and commitments of Christian life.
In many Catholic homes, Lent reshapes everyday routines in small but noticeable ways: menus shift toward simpler meals, Friday dinners become meatless traditions, and personal “extras” (desserts, alcohol, social media, or other indulgences) may be set aside as a form of penance. Ideally, the sacrifice isn’t just subtraction—it’s space made for prayer, generosity, and a more intentional life.
In our house when I was growing up we ate lots of polenta, eggs (because my Nonna Giovanna had a farm with lots of chickens), pasta and fish. While I’m not fond of eggs or egg dishes for supper, I always enjoyed polenta, and still do. But now, for us, there is a variety of pasta dishes and I try to incorporate fish into many of our meals, all year long. However, fish, in those growing up days, no matter how it was prepared, smelled, and tasted like seasoned cardboard.
| Italians also give up other things that they like. These small sacrifices are known as ‘fioretto’, meaning little flower. The name derives from the tradition of leaving a flower on a church altar to the Virgin Mary or another saint with a prayer and a request. Fioretto are not always food related. Yes, some give up chocolate or sweets, but others might renounce watching TV! A couple of years ago, Pope Francis urged Catholics to disconnect their phones and TVs for Lent! In this day and age I don’t think that would be very practical. |
BAKED FISH WITH TOMATOES
(A Quick and Easy Fish Dinner)
| 3 Tbs Olive Oil 2 6 – 8 Oz Fillets – Sole, Trout, Grouper, Halibut – your favorite Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper | 1 Large Tomato – seeded and chopped 1 Garlic Clove – chopped 1 Tbs Fresh Parsley or Basil – chopped |
Preheat oven to 400°. Brush small shallow oven-proof baking dish with a small amount of olive oil. Place fillets in a dish and season with salt and pepper. Combine remaining olive oil with the tomato and garlic in a small bowl and mix well. Spoon over fillets and bake until fish is cooked through – about 15 – 20 minutes depending on size and thickness. Sprinkle with basil or parsley and serve.
NOTE: This is a great dish served on top of sautéed spinach.
Ancora 
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