This Sunday (Feb 13) the Church prepares us for the holy season of Lent (Quadragesima) by three Sundays of preparation clothed with purple vestments- Septuagesima, Sexagesima and Quinquagesima- three weeks to think well of what we will offer in sacrifice for Lent and/or gradually begin or ease into our Lenten sacrifices. Read more about this preparatory season from the Servant of God Dom Prosper Gueranger at: The Liturgical Year by Dom Guéranger – Septuagesima.
This year amidst so many worries or restrictions being placed on the restoration of traditional liturgical life within the Church, we encourage all to make more sacrifice, by beginning your Lenten sacrifices early beginning with the season of Septuagesima (70 days). Please note that there was a restoration of traditional liturgy in the Old Testament after 70 years of exile due to the collaborative efforts of the priests and leading men of Israel (cf Books of Ezra and Nehemiah). Let us not be less generous in the New Testament, in which Our Lord tells us- “Unless you do penance, you likewise shall perish” (Lk 13:3).
Recommendations (please consult your priest/confessor for particular advice):
– Beginning the traditional Lenten Fast three weeks early (Sundays and 1st class feasts excepted). Traditional Lenten Fast was for those age 18-59 to fast each day during Lent: one mail meal, two supplementary collations/snacks.
– Abstaining from meat, or give up something else you like- e.g. alcohol, soda, snacking, sweets, desserts, etc.
– Committing to daily mass the days that one can during the week. THIS IS THE MOST VALUABLE PENANCE OF ALL.
– Praying an extra daily Rosary (one family told me they are doing all 15 decades each day!)
– Give up social media, video games
– Give up recreational internet or television while alone
– 20 minutes of daily mental prayer/spiritual reading. How many have time for much more than 20 minutes of entertainment, but no time for mental prayer! “He who prays (mental prayer) will be saved, and he who does not pray will be condemned”