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.

Adrienne von Speyr A profound contemplation of the Seven Last Words of Our Lord on the Cross with specific application to the Seven Sacraments instituted by Christ.

ASH WEDNESDAY, EASTER TRIDUUM MEDITATIONS - DVD The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that meditation "is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of heart and strengthen our will to follow Christ." Prayerfully reflect on the Church's holiest feast days with these programs hosted by Fr. Benedict Groeschel. 2½ hrs.

The Passion is a visual portrayal of the last twelve hours in the life of Jesus. Gripping photos taken on the set of Mel Gibson's new film, The Passion of Christ, together with the biblical narratives in the Douay Rheims Translation, present the story in vivid detail. A sweeping overview of the Passion story in powerful images that will enhance the movie experience! "This is a movie about …

Inside The Passion   Forward by Mel Gibson   Deepen your journey into the unforgettable film, The Passion of The Christ. In this authorized, behind-the-scenes look at the movie, Fr. John Bartunek, L.C., provides biblical, historical, and theological insights gleaned from hours spent on the set and interviews with the director, actors, and filmmaking crew. Inside the Passion is the …

This wonderful and practical little booklet explains clearly and thoroughly how to make a good Confession-but in much greater detail than covered in most catechisms. It includes an Examination of Conscience (plus a discussion of lax, scrupulous and doubtful conscience), contrition and its necessary qualities, the purpose of amendment and its necessary qualities, avoiding the near …

Set of Stations of the Cross Holy Cards. Each paper card measures  2 3/4 in. x 4 1/4 in. 100 per box.

Every Good Friday there are certain characters who, after making their singular appearance in the gospel narrative, leave our souls in a succession of variant emotions. We think of the cynical Pilate and his contemplative wife, the hesitant Simon of Cyrene, the corrupt high priest Caiphas and his despicable servant, the observant centurion of open-eye (Longinus), and one of the crucified …

The Joy of Lent Compiled and Edited by Pat McDonough "I like Lent. It's like an old friend with whom I can argue year after year and know that I'm a better person for being challenged. I like what Lent does to me. Its grace forms me and transforms me time and time again. "My love for Lent inspired this book. I wanted to know what other people thought about during these forty days. Do they …

Julianne M. Will Walk with Jesus as He shows us how very much He loves us. Follow Jesus through fourteen stations -- fourteen moments -- on His journey with the cross. Rejoice as He returns to His Father in heaven and redeems us from our sins. Recognize His great love for us in His willingness to suffer and die. With moving illustrations and real-life prayers, Stations of the Cross for …

Caryll Houselander The timeless spiritual writings of Caryll Houselander are currently enjoying a well-deserved revival. The Way of the Cross , one her strongest works, is a glorious meditative journey in which readers are led to meet themselves through re-experiencing the Passion of Christ. Each of the 14 meditations, written in Houselander's inimitable, insightful style, concludes with an …

Francis Fernandez In Conversation with God, Volume 2  has meditations for all of Lent and Eastertide, based on the daily gospels.  This is number 2 in the 7-volume set of In Conversation with God. This book has a blue vinyl cover with the words " In Conversation with God, Daily Meditaions Volume Two: Lent, Holy Week, Eastertide, Francis Fernandez" all in gold …

St. Josemaria Escriva Enter into the wounds of Christ Crucified.  When Msgr. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer proposed this way to those who asked him for advice on how to deepen their interior life, he was doing no more than pass on his own experience, pointing out the short cut he had been using throughout his life, and which led him to the highest peaks of spiritual life.  His love …

Testimony of the Cross is a moving photographic and textual reflection on the mystery of the Cross. The text is written by Pope John Paul II for the Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross) journey which he made to the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, on Good Friday, April 21, 2000. Testimony of the Cross includes illustrations for each station of the Cross, and prayers and meditations written by the Holy …

Volume II, Spanish Edition for Lent and Easter Contiene laudes, vísperas y completas, y cuenta con un índice para las festividades de algunos santos. Lauds, vespers and compline--with appendix for saints days and feastdays.

Fish on Fridays Fr. Leonard Feeney, S.J. The words, spoken or written, of a soul that genuinely loves God have a tone to them which always rings true. Couple this truth with literary genius, deep spiritual discernment and childlike simplicity and you are close to describing Father Leonard Feeney, the author of Fish on Friday . These fourteen Catholic essays, Father Feeney’s youthful best, …

We are absolutely THRILLED to be able to offer to you our newest product... our Stations of the Cross Grotto Kit!!! Each kit contains everything your family will need to create their very own COMPLETE set of three-dimensional Stations of the Cross grottos, including semi-precious gemstones, pre-cut wooden sticks, and full color art work. This kit is recommended for children age 10 and up... …

Fr. Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist Following from the special charism of the Passionist Order-heartfelt, ardent devotion to the Passion of Our Lord with true contrition for one's sins-this classic helps a person  to base his whole spiritual life on the lessons to be learned from the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The book gives 31 daily Meditations on the Pas sion, …

Louis de Wohl This panoramic novel of the last days of Christ ranges from the palaces of imperial Rome to the strife-torn hills of Judea-where the conflict of love and betrayal, revenge and redemption, reaches a mighty climax in the drama of the Crucifixion. For this is the full story of the world's most dramatic execution, as it affected one of its least-known participants-the man who hurled …

The Way Of The Cross - By St. Alphonsus Liguori David Phillips This cd features the traditional prayers of St. Alphonsus Liguori with traditional Lenten hymns, and, after the 14th station, a medley of Easter Hymns. The Easter hymns include Resurrexit Sicut Dixit, Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia, Let the Holy Anthem Rise, Ye Sons and Daughters and Christ the Lord is Risen Today. David …

The Death and Resurrection includes: Gospel Lessons: Walk with Christ our Prophet, Priest and King. Dynamic Narration for you to discover new life and understanding in the gospel. Catechism of the Catholic Church: Parallels the teachings of the gospel story. Parables confused the crowds 2000 years ago, see them for the first time connected with the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic …