LENT

Lent is a forty days period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. We don't count Sundays when we count the forty days, because Sundays shows the Resurrection.This years Lent begins on 6th February 2008(Ash wednesday) and will end on 22nd March 2008(Holy saturday), which actually is the day before Easter(23rd March 2008,Resurrection day).Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the early days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism.The colours used in all the Roman Catholic Churches,during lenten season is purple,Since as Christians we prepare for our King through reflection and repentance, purple has also become a penitential colour.Lent is seen also as the season of FASTING AND PRAYER. We have HOLY WEEK,which comes at the last week of lent,it comprises of the following..

Palm Sunday (or Passion Sunday), the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Holy Thursday (or Maundy Thursday), the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the betrayal by Judas,also the day catholic priest renew their priestly vow.
Good Friday, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, and burial of Jesus Christ.
Holy Saturday, the Sabbath on which Jesus rested in the grave

There is a special prayer said during lent by every Roman Catholic and this prayer is called STATIONS OF THE CROSS,this shows the sufferings of Jesus to his death.it is 14 in Numbers,ususally presented with roman numbers.Below are the prayers followed by the pictures.

I. JESUS IS CONDEMMED TO DEATH

II. JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS.

III. JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME.

IV. JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER MARY ON THE WAY.

V. SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS IN CARRYING THE CROSS.

VI. VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS.

VII. JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME.

VIII. JESUS SPEAKS TO THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM.

IX. JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME.

X. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS CLOTH.

XI. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS.

XII. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS.

XIII. JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS.

XIV. JESUS IS PLACED IN THE TOMB.

THE PICTURES