Immaculate Conception Parish - Marydel, Maryland
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What is the Origin of the term "Lent" (and the timing of the Season)

​The word “Lent” comes from the Old English word ‘Lencten’ meaning March (or spring). As a Church term, “Lent” is unique to English, in almost all romance languages the name for this season finds its origin in the Latin word Quadragesima (the forty days) which refers to the length of season. Speaking of days, Lent (unlike Christmas) is based upon the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar, you see, is used to determine the date of Easter. It was the calendar used by the people in Israel in the time of Christ. Easter is celebrated in the Catholic Church on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the first day of spring. What does this have to do Lent? Well, when Easter moves, so does start of the season of Lent (Ash Wednesday) – which is “40 days” before Easter.

And the number 40 has a special significance in salvation history -- for instance Christ fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert before beginning his public ministry, and during that time he was tempted by and resisted the temptations by the Devil. We hear that reading from scripture during the First Sunday of Lent.
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • Address and Contact Info
      • Mass Schedule
      • Mass Offering or Donation
      • Our Stained Glass Windows
      • Parish Bulletins
      • Parish Office Hours
      • Parish Staff
      • All About Advent >
        • Advent: The Saints of Advent
        • Advent Calendar
      • Bible365
      • Sacraments
      • View Daily Mass
      • Activities for Home
      • Educational Videos
      • The Bible
      • The Dialog - Diocesan Newspaper
      • Mary in May
  • Religious Education
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Religious Education Mission Statement
    • Religious Education Classes (CCD)
    • Religious Education Calendar
    • First Communion Prep Schedule
    • Primera Comunión Preparación
    • Confirmation Prep Schedule
    • Catechism of the Catholic Church
    • For the Sake of God Children Program
    • For Our Catechist
    • Catechist Webinars
    • Contact our Dir. of Religious Education
  • Organizations & Outreach
    • Knights of Columbus
    • St. Vincent de Paul Society
    • Parish Cookbook
  • Hispanic Ministry
    • Directiva
    • Directiva de Jovenes
    • Escuela de Religiosa
    • Diocesan Hispanic News
    • Schedule of Hispanic Ministry Programs
    • What's Happening at ICC
    • Actividades en el Hogar
    • Escritos Espirituales y Oraciones
    • Misa en Español
    • Videos Educativos Católicos
  • Links