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.

A guide to entering into the mystery and celebration of Lent and Easter Catherine Doherty leads us into the riches of God’s boundless mercy as she teaches us the spirit, the liturgy, and the customs of the Lent and Easter season, including: Practical guidance on preparing for the internal spiritual pilgrimage that is Lent. Meditations on the meanings of the many holy days preceding and …

James MacMillan, composer Polyphony Britten Sinfonia Stephen Layton This new disc featuring Polyphony and the Britten Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Layton portrays the ultimate dramatic event in history - the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, expressed through the raw emotional power of one of Scotland's most distinguished and vital composers, James MacMillan.  His Seven Last Words from the …

The Mystery of Easter Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap.; Alan Neame, Translator What does the paschal mystery mean in the context of the rite—past and present—and in Christian life and death? Students of the liturgy and preachers will find in these pages a thoughtful examination of the mystery of Easter. Father Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, is in full command of both the …

“The author of these meditations on the Way of the Cross has a twofold purpose in offering them in printed form. The first is that they may enkindle in souls a flaming love for the Crucified Christ, who, through His passion and death, revealed to us that it is only through the Cross that we are ever ushered into glory and eternal life. The second purpose is that those who meditate on the …

Prayerful devotional meditations on The Way of the Cross The Way of the Cross at Jerusalem, known as the Via Dolorosa or Via Crucis , marks Jesus’ path to his crucifixion. It has been the destination of pilgrims since the early days of the Church, and saints throughout the ages confirm that meditating on the Passion of the Christ is most fruitful. Fourteen significant moments along the way are …

Hilary Brand What are you doing for Lent?  How about watching a movie.  Once again, best-selling author Hiliary Brand offers a unique twist to living the season of Lent.  This lively five-week course explores the amazing power of the small choices we make every day, challenging us to broaden our spiritual horizons in ways that will make a difference.  Two movies, The …

The Way of the Cross for Young Christians, pack of 50 booklets.

3 7/8 in. x 7 3/16 in. folders printed in color on heavy card stock.  100 per box.

The Way of the Cross, by Thomas Wickert These booklets are 4 in. by 6 in. and come 50 to a box.

The Way of the Cross for Children, a pack of 50 booklets.

Vincentini's immortal works of art vividly depict Christ's Passion.  Lithography in 7 colors.  14 pictures. Each picture is 6in. x 8in.

This set of Stations of the Cross poster set includes 15 pictures.  Each picture is 8in. x 10in.