Welcome to our Lent specialty store.

A Brief History and Definition of Lent

The Germanic word Lent (lecten), which we use to denote the forty days' of preparation preceding the Paschal feast, originally meant simply the spring season. It has been used since the Anglo-Saxon period (9^th Century) to translate the more significant Latin term quadragesima, meaning the "forty days", or more literally the "fortieth day". This in turn imitated the Greek name for Lent, tessarakoste (fortieth), a word formed from the relationship to the word Pentecost (pentekoste), which had been used as a name for the Jewish festival before the time of Christ.

In the first three centuries of Christian experience, preparation for the Paschal feast usually covered a period of one or two days, perhaps a week at the most. Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (ca AD 140-202) even speaks of a forty-hour preparation for the Paschal celebration.

The first reference to Lent as a period of forty days preparation occurs in the teachings of the First Council of Nicea in AD 325. By the end of the fourth century, a Lenten period of forty days was established and accepted in the Church. Pope St. Leo (d. 461) exhorts the faithful to abstain they they may “fulfill with their fasts the Apostolic institution of the forty days.”

In it's early development Lent quickly became associated with the sacrament of baptism, since Easter was the great baptismal feast. Those who were preparing to be baptized participated in the season of Lent in preparation for the reception of the sacrament of baptism. Eventually, those who were already baptized considered it important to join these candidates preparing for baptism in their preparation for Easter. The customs and practices of Lent, as we know them today, soon took hold.

Adapted from the “Lent and Easter Wisdom” series and the Catholic Encyclopedia.

Are there really spiritual advantages to be gained by fasting and almsgiving? Is penance and "chastising the flesh" truly necessary for growth in holiness or merely the last remaining symbols of an "outdated spirituality"? In a world where so many of us are willing to make sacrifices for the "corruptible crown" of physical beauty and material success is there still a place for spiritual …

Lent And Easter Wisdom From Fulton J. Sheen - Daily Scripture and Prayers Together With Sheen's Own Words Timeless words from the pen of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen inspire the heart and imagination as readers embark on a Lenten journey toward a better understanding of their spiritual selves. Covering the traditional themes of Lent--sin and salvation, death and Resurrection, sorrow and hope, ashes …

Easter Card with gold foil. 25 per box. Inside Verse: May the Risen Christ grant you peace and joy at Easter and always.  

Larger Size Way of the Cross Holy Cards. Each paper card measures 4 1/2 in. x 6 1/8 in. 100 per box (Gold Ink)

Come to the Table is for anyone seeking to integrate the traditions of Judaism and Christianity. Interfaith families will find it an especially useful companion during Passover and Holy Week.      Adopted by Roman Catholic parishes throughout North America for parish-based seder celebrations. Used by youth and adult formation ministers throughout the year to teach about the …

Adrienne von Speyr Hans Urs von Balthasar calls this "one of her most central works". She discusses the moral and practical aspects of the sacrament in great depth. Some of the many areas covered include conversion, scruples, contrition, spiritual direction, laxity, frequency of confession, the confessions of religious and lay people, even the confessions of saints. One of the most …

The Way of the Cross is the most heavily indulgenced devotion in the Catholic Church; it is a devotion reputed to have been originated by Our Lady herself, who, legend has it, set up the original Way of the Cross in her backyard at Ephesus.  Moreover, the great Saints all aver that meditation on the Passion and death of Jesus is the most fruitful that one can engage in.  Among …

This icon depicts the Apostles gathered to receive the Holy Spirit on Pentecost just 50 days after the Resurrection.  Over each Apostle is a tongue of fire.

Fr. Francis X. Weiser (Imprimatur 1956) “Many people celebrate the holydays and know their names; but of their history, meaning and origin they know nothing. . . .”—St. John Chrysostom. This book was written to provide the information which St. John would have wished the faithful to possess. This volume is devoted to the season of Pentecost and to those feasts of saints throughout the year …

This full-color illustrated children's book teaches about celebrating lent.

Bishop Sheen delivered many famous sermons on Good Friday to over-flowing churches, and this presentation from his own television series is another powerful message. His superb words ring with answers for todays realities, offering his unique insights on the meaning of Christ's passion and death for modern Christians.

This Chaplet of the Crucifixion consists of 3 groups of 3 red beads, a medal of the Crucifixion, and a crucifix.  It comes with instructions and a prayer.

Daily Lenten Meditations contains excerpts taken from the homilies, addresses, and official letters of Pope John Paul II’s long and generous evangelizing activity. These excerpts have been put together to form a kind of spiritual pilgrimage over the course of Lent. As Christ faced suffering, the Pope has faced his own illness and infirmity with courage and fortitude walking his own …

Nicholas Ayo James Flanigan Joseph Ross J. Massyngbaerde Ford "If you would be my disciple," said Jesus, "Take up your cross and follow me." This is the call that comes to believers; this is the heart of the Christian life. No spiritual practice answers this call as concretely as the ancient devotion of the stations of the Cross. Through the centuries, as believers have …

Twelve radiant tableaux by acclaimed artist Fiona French reflect the timeless beauty of the Easter story in stained glass. Beginning with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the dramatic events unfold: the last supper, Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, his trial and mockery, the crucifixion, resurrection and his appearance to the disciples, culminating in his ascension into heaven. Fiona French’s …

Wishing You a Very Happy Easter Inside: May God be near To bless you When Eastertime is here And may He love And keep you Each day throughout The year Size: 4-1/4 x 7-1/2. All cards are embossed with hot gold stamping and are individually cello wrapped with an envelope.

In this enlightening and inspirational production, the story of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus is recounted in the magnificent English of the traditional Catholic translation of the Bible, supported by the unforgettable words of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and underscored by the timeless beauty of Gregorian chant and sweeping orchestral music reminiscent of a fine film score. This …

The Agony of Jesus Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, O.P.M., Cap. Remarkable meditations on the Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane by St. Padre Pio, the stigmatist priest. One of his few writings. Many pictures of Padre Pio. A treasure of spiritual insights! 17 Photographs Imprimatur: Joannes Gregoris Murray, Archiepiscopus Sancti Pauli, Paulopoli die 30a, Novembris 1952  

A Family Journey with Jesus through Lent Angela M. Burrin Praying as a family begins here! A Family Journey with Jesus through Lent provides the perfect format for family prayer for each day of Lent. Hebrew children from Capernaum, Nazareth, Cana, and Jerusalem narrate the stories in a way that makes Jesus' parables, miracles, and teachings come alive. Every story contains interesting …

The comfort, familiarity, and power of the Rosary have now been united with Scripture-based meditations on Christ's Passion and Death to create a unique set of nine Rosary mysteries. This original combination produces a modern novena that allows you to refelct on the magnificent gift of salvation, while asking Mary herself to join you in your petitions.