March 2 is Ash Wednesday and that means 40 days of Lent. El Paso is a super Catholic town and we observe Lent by asking “What did you give up for Lent?”, and eating fish on Fridays. But what is Lent really all about?
IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT IS
The Catholic Church changed its stance on Lenten sacrifice by saying giving things up doesn’t do Lent justice. Church officials say Lent isn’t supposed to be 40 days and nights of depriving yourself, but it’s supposed to be a time of reflection and resetting your relationship with God.
Rosary with crucifix lying on open Bible.
TRADITIONAL LENTEN CATHOLIC FOODS
Are you supposed to give up meat on Fridays? Living on the border we have tons of options like enchiladas, ceviche, and chile rellenos to avoid eating meat on Fridays. You can also eat capirotada which is a traditional Mexican dessert that most people either love or hate. I’m not a fan of the sweet and savory mix of ingredients. I love bolillos, Muenster cheese, raisins, and all the spices that go into capirotada but putting it all together with condensed milk and the dried fruits that sometimes gets added is just not my cup of tea.
ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVANCES AT EL PASO CHURCHES
Most El Paso Catholic churches offer Masses and ash distribution throughout the day on Ash Wednesday. If you call your parish they’ll be able to tell you what time their Masses are and what time ash distribution is going to be.
Patricia Martinez
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