Bishop Tobin on Lenten Practices

“So, if someone were to ask you what you’re doing for Lent this year, you might answer rather quickly, ‘I’m giving up desserts.’

“Or, ‘I’m going to Stations of the Cross.’ Or, ‘I’m giving a generous donation to the Catholic Charity Appeal.’ All of these things are worthwhile and certainly consistent with the threefold pillars of Lent, ‘prayer, fasting and good works.’

“But if someone were to ask you why you’re doing these things, you might have to think a little bit before you answer. You might say it’s because you do the same thing every year. Or because it’s what the Church tells you to do. Or because it makes you feel good. While each of these answers has some value, the reasons for our Lenten practices should be a little more profound.”

In a recent column, Bishop Thomas Tobin, Bishop of Providence (RI), offered some thoughts related to traditional Lenten practices.

To access Bishop Tobin’s complete column, please visit:

RI Catholic: Without a Doubt: Why You Do What You Do for Lent (1 MAR 12)