• Catholic Enquiry Centre
  • Catholic Enquiry Centre
  • Catholic Enquiry Centre

When does Lent finish?

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Q: Can you tell me when Lent actually finishes; some people say Good Friday, others say Easter Sunday?

Lent commences with Ash Wednesday (17 February 2010) and lasts until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening (1 April).

Lent is in effect the retreat time in preparation for the Easter Triduum - the three days of the celebration of Easter which begins with sundown on Holy Thursday evening and ends with evening prayer on Easter Sunday evening. The Triduum includes the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday.

On Good Friday and, if possible, also on Holy Saturday until the Easter Vigil, the Easter Fast is observed.