Journey through Lent 2026

What is Lent?

Lent is the yearly celebration of the Church in preparation for Easter. Lent has two major purposes: It recalls or prepares for Baptism, and emphasizes a spirit of penance. Through forty days of closer attention to God’s Word and of more fervent prayer, believers are prepared to celebrate the Paschal Mystery. 

During Lent, the reminder of baptism already received, as well as the theme of repentance, renew the entire community along with those being prepared to celebrate the paschal mystery, in which each of the elect will share through the sacraments of initiation. (RCIA 125, Ad gentes, 14)

For those already baptized Lent is a time of preparation to celebrate the paschal mystery through reminders of our baptism and penitential practices. (GNLYC 27)

Lent is a privileged time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This season provides an opportunity to renew and deepen our relationship with Jesus, and to renew the choices we make, so that we might live as he taught.

When is Lent?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, and continues until the beginning of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, on April 2nd, 2026. The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry.

Journey Through Lent

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents “Journey through Lent”, a video series which provides weekly Lenten spiritual reflections.

Reflections based on the readings for Sunday Mass will be available weekly from Ash Wednesday until Palm Sunday. Designed for individuals, families, and communities, Journey Through Lent encourages viewers to reflect on the Sunday readings.

This year’s reflections are presented by:

• The Most Reverend Daniel J. Miehm, Bishop of Peterborough (in English).
• The Most Reverend Juan Carlos Londoño, Auxiliary Bishop of Québec (in French)