CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <title>Advent's Penitential Roots: How to Live it a ‘Little Lent'</title> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="True"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <script> if(window.location.pathname == '/ghost/'){var ap=1;var oce=document.createElement} </script> <script src="https://cdn.cookielaw.org/consent/tcf.stub.js" type="text/javascript" charset="UTF-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.cookielaw.org/consent/39a5c3d8-ab30-49fb-baa4-fc8b6fb8b9e6/OtAutoBlock.js" ></script> <script src="https://cdn.cookielaw.org/scripttemplates/otSDKStub.js" data-document-language="true" type="text/javascript" charset="UTF-8" data-domain-script="39a5c3d8-ab30-49fb-baa4-fc8b6fb8b9e6" ></script> <script type="text/javascript"> function OptanonWrapper() { // Get initial OnetrustActiveGroups ids if(typeof OptanonWrapperCount == "undefined"){ otGetInitialGrps(); } //Delete cookies otDeleteCookie(otIniGrps); // Assign OnetrustActiveGroups to custom variable function otGetInitialGrps(){ OptanonWrapperCount = ''; otIniGrps = OnetrustActiveGroups; // console.log("otGetInitialGrps", otIniGrps) } function otDeleteCookie(iniOptGrpId) { var otDomainGrps = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(Optanon.GetDomainData().Groups)); var otDeletedGrpIds = otGetInactiveId(iniOptGrpId, OnetrustActiveGroups); if(otDeletedGrpIds.length != 0 && otDomainGrps.length !=0){ for(var i=0; i < otDomainGrps.length; i++){ //Check if CustomGroupId matches if(otDomainGrps[i]['CustomGroupId'] != '' && otDeletedGrpIds.includes(otDomainGrps[i]['CustomGroupId'])){ for(var j=0; j < otDomainGrps[i]['Cookies'].length; j++){ //console.log("otDeleteCookie",otDomainGrps[i]['Cookies'][j]['Name']) //Delete cookie eraseCookie(otDomainGrps[i]['Cookies'][j]['Name']); } } //Check if Hostid matches if(otDomainGrps[i]['Hosts'].length != 0){ for(var j=0; j < otDomainGrps[i]['Hosts'].length; j++){ //Check if HostId presents in the deleted list and cookie array is not blank if(otDeletedGrpIds.includes(otDomainGrps[i]['Hosts'][j]['HostId']) && otDomainGrps[i]['Hosts'][j]['Cookies'].length !=0){ for(var k=0; k < otDomainGrps[i]['Hosts'][j]['Cookies'].length; k++){ //Delete cookie eraseCookie(otDomainGrps[i]['Hosts'][j]['Cookies'][k]['Name']); } } } } } //Do more cleanup if(otDeletedGrpIds.includes("C0002")){ cookies = document.cookie.split(";") cookies.forEach(function(cookie){ name = cookie.split("=")[0].trim() if(name.startsWith("__io") || name.startsWith("_ga") || name.startsWith("_pk")) eraseCookie(name) }) } } otGetInitialGrps(); //Reassign new group ids } //Get inactive ids function otGetInactiveId(customIniId, otActiveGrp){ //Initial OnetrustActiveGroups // console.log("otGetInactiveId",customIniId) customIniId = customIniId.split(","); customIniId = customIniId.filter(Boolean); //After action OnetrustActiveGroups otActiveGrp = otActiveGrp.split(","); otActiveGrp = otActiveGrp.filter(Boolean); var result=[]; for (var i=0; i < customIniId.length; i++){ if ( otActiveGrp.indexOf(customIniId[i]) <= -1 ){ result.push(customIniId[i]); } } return result; } //Delete cookie function eraseCookie(name) { //Delete root path cookies domainName = window.location.hostname; shortName = domainName.substring(domainName.indexOf('.')) document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=/;Domain='+ domainName; document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=/;Domain='+ shortName; document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=/;'; //Delete LSO incase LSO being used, cna be commented out. localStorage.removeItem(name); //Check for the current path of the page pathArray = window.location.pathname.split('/'); //Loop through path hierarchy and delete potential cookies at each path. for (var i=0; i < pathArray.length; i++){ if (pathArray[i]){ //Build the path string from the Path Array e.g /site/login var currentPath = pathArray.slice(0,i+1).join('/'); document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=' + currentPath + ';Domain='+ domainName; document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=' + currentPath + ';Domain='+ shortName; document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=' + currentPath + ';'; //Maybe path has a trailing slash! document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=' + currentPath + '/;Domain='+ domainName; document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=' + currentPath + '/;Domain='+ shortName; document.cookie = name+'=; Max-Age=-99999999; Path=' + currentPath + '/;'; } } } } </script> <script> if(ap){document.createElement = oce} </script> <script async data-ot-ignore src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/tag/js/gpt.js"></script> <script> window.lastTrackingConsentState = 2 window.addEventListener("OneTrustGroupsUpdated", function(event) { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.pubads().setPrivacySettings({ limitedAds: !event.detail.includes("C0004") }); if (lastTrackingConsentState == 2 || lastTrackingConsentState != !event.detail.includes("C0004")){ googletag.pubads().refresh() } lastTrackingConsentState = !event.detail.includes("C0004") }) //console.log(`The following groups are now active: ${event.detail.join(", ")}`) }); window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('consent', 'default', { 'analytics_storage': 'denied', 'functionality_storage': 'denied', 'ad_storage': 'denied', 'personalization_storage': 'denied', 'security_storage': 'denied', 'wait_for_update': 500 }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { upper = document.querySelector("[data-ad-position=upper]") lower = document.querySelector("[data-ad-position=lower]") content = document.querySelector(".post-content") sections = content.childElementCount - 4 if (sections == 1) { upper.remove() lower.remove() } else if (sections == 2 || sections == 3){ lower.remove() content.insertBefore(upper, content.children[1]) } else if (sections == 5){ content.insertBefore(upper, content.children[1]) content.insertBefore(lower, content.children[5]) } else { spacing = Math.ceil(sections / 4) content.insertBefore(upper, content.children[spacing]) content.insertBefore(lower, content.children[(sections - spacing) + 1]) } var mappingHeaderFooter = googletag.sizeMapping(). addSize([992, 0], [[970, 250], [728, 90], [970, 90]]). //desktop addSize([768, 0], [[728, 90]]). //tablet addSize([320, 0], [[320, 100]]). //mobile addSize([0, 0], []). //other build(); googletag.pubads().setPrivacySettings({ limitedAds: true }); googletag.defineSlot('/1319756/CPOP_EN_Header_Banner', [[970, 250], [970, 90], [320, 100], [728, 90]], 'CPOP_EN_Header_Banner').defineSizeMapping(mappingHeaderFooter).addService(googletag.pubads()).setCollapseEmptyDiv(true,true); googletag.defineSlot('/1319756/CPOP_EN_Slider', [[300, 250], [728, 90], [320, 100], [320, 50], [970, 90]], 'CPOP_EN_Slider').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/1319756/CPOP_EN_Article_1', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'CPOP_EN_Article_1').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/1319756/CPOP_EN_Article_2', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'CPOP_EN_Article_2').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.defineSlot('/1319756/CPOP_EN_Article_Footer', [[970, 90], [320, 100], [728, 90]], 'CPOP_EN_Article_Footer').defineSizeMapping(mappingHeaderFooter).addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); googletag.pubads().disableInitialLoad(); }); </script>  <script async data-ot-ignore src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-F0HXNCPBDW"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-F0HXNCPBDW');</script> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"> <link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" as="style" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;700&display=swap"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Inter:wght@300;400;500;700&display=swap"> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://www.churchpop.com/assets/css/screen.css?v=802cc2cc6e"> <style> :root { --font-family-one: 'Inter', sans-serif; --font-weight-one-light: 300; --font-weight-one-bold: 700; --font-family-two: 'Inter', sans-serif; --font-weight-two-bold: 700; --font-family-three: 'Inter', sans-serif; --font-weight-three-regular: 400; --font-weight-three-medium: 500; --font-weight-three-bold: 700; --letter-spacing: -.01em; } </style> <meta name="description" content="To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence."> <link rel="icon" href="https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2023/07/churchpop_icon.png" type="image/png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/"> <meta name="referrer" content="no-referrer-when-downgrade"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/amp/"> <meta property="og:site_name" content="ChurchPOP"> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <meta property="og:title" content="The Forgotten Penitential Roots of Advent: 3 Ways to Live This Season as a ‘Little Lent'"> <meta property="og:description" content="To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence."> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/"> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/size/w1200/2024/11/Untitled-design---2024-11-26T144924.818.png"> <meta property="article:published_time" content="2024-11-26T21:10:59.000Z"> <meta property="article:modified_time" content="2024-11-26T21:10:59.000Z"> <meta property="article:tag" content="Articles"> <meta property="article:tag" content="Advent"> <meta property="article:tag" content="Catholic Liturgy"> <meta property="article:tag" content="Liturgical Living"> <meta property="article:publisher" content="https://www.facebook.com/churchpopsite/"> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="The Forgotten Penitential Roots of Advent: 3 Ways to Live This Season as a ‘Little Lent'"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence."> <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/size/w1200/2024/11/Twitter-Cards--59-.png"> <meta name="twitter:label1" content="Written by"> <meta name="twitter:data1" content="Ryan Bilodeau"> <meta name="twitter:label2" content="Filed under"> <meta name="twitter:data2" content="Articles, Advent, Catholic Liturgy, Liturgical Living"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@Church_POP"> <meta property="og:image:width" content="1200"> <meta property="og:image:height" content="675"> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "ChurchPOP", "url": "https://www.churchpop.com/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/2023/07/churchpop_horizontal_logo.png" } }, "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ryan Bilodeau", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/2024/11/Ryan-Bilodeau-1-1.jpg", "width": 544, "height": 579 }, "url": "https://www.churchpop.com/author/ryanbilodeau-2/", "sameAs": [] }, "headline": "Advent's Penitential Roots: How to Live it a ‘Little Lent'", "url": "https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/", "datePublished": "2024-11-26T21:10:59.000Z", "dateModified": "2024-11-26T21:10:59.000Z", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/2024/11/penance--2-.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080 }, "keywords": "Articles, Advent, Catholic Liturgy, Liturgical Living", "description": "To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence.", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" } </script> <meta name="generator" content="Ghost 5.109"> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="ChurchPOP" href="https://www.churchpop.com/rss/"> <script defer src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/ghost/sodo-search@~1.5/umd/sodo-search.min.js" data-key="5a4b861d41a88bd320070a50b7" data-styles="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/ghost/sodo-search@~1.5/umd/main.css" data-sodo-search="https://churchpop-en.ghost.io/" data-locale="en" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <link href="https://www.churchpop.com/webmentions/receive/" rel="webmention"> <script defer src="/public/cards.min.js?v=802cc2cc6e"></script><style>:root {--ghost-accent-color: #1f1f1f;}</style> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/public/cards.min.css?v=802cc2cc6e"> <style>:root {--ghost-bg-color: #00b4f0;}</style> </head> <body class="post-template tag-articles tag-advent tag-catholic-liturgy tag-liturgical-living global-accent-color-buttons"> <div class="global-wrap"> <div class="global-content"> <header class="header-section is-partial-color"> <div id='CPOP_EN_Header_Banner' class="header-ad"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('CPOP_EN_Header_Banner'); }); </script> </div> <div class="header-wrap global-padding"> <div class="header-logo"><a href="https://www.churchpop.com" class="is-logo"><img src="https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/2023/07/churchpop_horizontal_logo.png" alt="ChurchPOP home"></a> </div> <div class="header-nav is-button-accent-color"> <button class="header-search search-open is-mobile" aria-label="Search" ><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m16.822 18.813 4.798 4.799c.262.248.61.388.972.388.772-.001 1.407-.637 1.407-1.409 0-.361-.139-.709-.387-.971l-4.799-4.797c3.132-4.108 2.822-10.005-.928-13.756l-.007-.007-.278-.278a.6985.6985 0 0 0-.13-.107C13.36-1.017 7.021-.888 3.066 3.067c-4.088 4.089-4.088 10.729 0 14.816 3.752 3.752 9.65 4.063 13.756.93Zm-.965-13.719c2.95 2.953 2.95 7.81 0 10.763-2.953 2.949-7.809 2.949-10.762 0-2.951-2.953-2.951-7.81 0-10.763 2.953-2.95 7.809-2.95 10.762 0Z"/></svg></button> <input id="toggle" class="header-checkbox" type="checkbox" aria-label="Show Navigation"> <label class="header-toggle" for="toggle" aria-disabled="true"> <span> <span class="bar"></span> <span class="bar"></span> <span class="bar"></span> </span> </label> <nav> <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.churchpop.com/" >Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.churchpop.com/category/articles/" >Articles</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://www.churchpop.com/category/lists/" >Lists</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://missions.ewtn.com/donation/churchpop/" class="special" target="_blank" >Donate</a> </li> <li> <ul class="social-nav"> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/churchpopsite/"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M23.9981 11.9991C23.9981 5.37216 18.626 0 11.9991 0C5.37216 0 0 5.37216 0 11.9991C0 17.9882 4.38789 22.9522 10.1242 23.8524V15.4676H7.07758V11.9991H10.1242V9.35553C10.1242 6.34826 11.9156 4.68714 14.6564 4.68714C15.9692 4.68714 17.3424 4.92149 17.3424 4.92149V7.87439H15.8294C14.3388 7.87439 13.8739 8.79933 13.8739 9.74824V11.9991H17.2018L16.6698 15.4676H13.8739V23.8524C19.6103 22.9522 23.9981 17.9882 23.9981 11.9991Z"/></svg><span class="social-name">Facebook</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/Church_POP"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M26.37,26l-8.795-12.822l0.015,0.012L25.52,4h-2.65l-6.46,7.48L11.28,4H4.33l8.211,11.971L12.54,15.97L3.88,26h2.65 l7.182-8.322L19.42,26H26.37z M10.23,6l12.34,18h-2.1L8.12,6H10.23z"/></svg><span class="social-name">X</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/churchpop/"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M12 0C8.74 0 8.333.015 7.053.072 5.775.132 4.905.333 4.14.63c-.789.306-1.459.717-2.126 1.384S.935 3.35.63 4.14C.333 4.905.131 5.775.072 7.053.012 8.333 0 8.74 0 12s.015 3.667.072 4.947c.06 1.277.261 2.148.558 2.913.306.788.717 1.459 1.384 2.126.667.666 1.336 1.079 2.126 1.384.766.296 1.636.499 2.913.558C8.333 23.988 8.74 24 12 24s3.667-.015 4.947-.072c1.277-.06 2.148-.262 2.913-.558.788-.306 1.459-.718 2.126-1.384.666-.667 1.079-1.335 1.384-2.126.296-.765.499-1.636.558-2.913.06-1.28.072-1.687.072-4.947s-.015-3.667-.072-4.947c-.06-1.277-.262-2.149-.558-2.913-.306-.789-.718-1.459-1.384-2.126C21.319 1.347 20.651.935 19.86.63c-.765-.297-1.636-.499-2.913-.558C15.667.012 15.26 0 12 0zm0 2.16c3.203 0 3.585.016 4.85.071 1.17.055 1.805.249 2.227.415.562.217.96.477 1.382.896.419.42.679.819.896 1.381.164.422.36 1.057.413 2.227.057 1.266.07 1.646.07 4.85s-.015 3.585-.074 4.85c-.061 1.17-.256 1.805-.421 2.227-.224.562-.479.96-.899 1.382-.419.419-.824.679-1.38.896-.42.164-1.065.36-2.235.413-1.274.057-1.649.07-4.859.07-3.211 0-3.586-.015-4.859-.074-1.171-.061-1.816-.256-2.236-.421-.569-.224-.96-.479-1.379-.899-.421-.419-.69-.824-.9-1.38-.165-.42-.359-1.065-.42-2.235-.045-1.26-.061-1.649-.061-4.844 0-3.196.016-3.586.061-4.861.061-1.17.255-1.814.42-2.234.21-.57.479-.96.9-1.381.419-.419.81-.689 1.379-.898.42-.166 1.051-.361 2.221-.421 1.275-.045 1.65-.06 4.859-.06l.045.03zm0 3.678c-3.405 0-6.162 2.76-6.162 6.162 0 3.405 2.76 6.162 6.162 6.162 3.405 0 6.162-2.76 6.162-6.162 0-3.405-2.76-6.162-6.162-6.162zM12 16c-2.21 0-4-1.79-4-4s1.79-4 4-4 4 1.79 4 4-1.79 4-4 4zm7.846-10.405c0 .795-.646 1.44-1.44 1.44-.795 0-1.44-.646-1.44-1.44 0-.794.646-1.439 1.44-1.439.793-.001 1.44.645 1.44 1.439z"/></svg><span class="social-name">Instagram</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://t.me/churchpop"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M9.028 20.837c-.714 0-.593-.271-.839-.949l-2.103-6.92L22.263 3.37"/><path d="M9.028 20.837c.552 0 .795-.252 1.105-.553l2.941-2.857-3.671-2.214"/><path d="M9.403 15.213l8.89 6.568c1.015.56 1.748.271 2-.942l3.62-17.053c.372-1.487-.564-2.159-1.534-1.72L1.125 10.263c-1.45.582-1.443 1.392-.264 1.753l5.455 1.7L18.94 5.753c.595-.36 1.143-.167.694.232"/></svg><span class="social-name">Telegram</span></a></li> <li><a href="/feed/"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.199 24C19.199 13.467 10.533 4.8 0 4.8V0c13.165 0 24 10.835 24 24h-4.801zM3.291 17.415c1.814 0 3.293 1.479 3.293 3.295 0 1.813-1.485 3.29-3.301 3.29C1.47 24 0 22.526 0 20.71s1.475-3.294 3.291-3.295zM15.909 24h-4.665c0-6.169-5.075-11.245-11.244-11.245V8.09c8.727 0 15.909 7.184 15.909 15.91z"/></svg><span class="social-name">RSS</span></a></li> </ul> </li> <li><button class="header-search search-open is-desktop global-button" aria-label="Search" ><span><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="m16.822 18.813 4.798 4.799c.262.248.61.388.972.388.772-.001 1.407-.637 1.407-1.409 0-.361-.139-.709-.387-.971l-4.799-4.797c3.132-4.108 2.822-10.005-.928-13.756l-.007-.007-.278-.278a.6985.6985 0 0 0-.13-.107C13.36-1.017 7.021-.888 3.066 3.067c-4.088 4.089-4.088 10.729 0 14.816 3.752 3.752 9.65 4.063 13.756.93Zm-.965-13.719c2.95 2.953 2.95 7.81 0 10.763-2.953 2.949-7.809 2.949-10.762 0-2.951-2.953-2.951-7.81 0-10.763 2.953-2.95 7.809-2.95 10.762 0Z"/></svg>Search</span></button></li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </header> <main class="global-main"> <progress class="post-progress"></progress> <article class="post-section"> <div class="post-header is-partial-color"> <div class="post-header-wrap global-padding"> <div class="post-header-container"> <div class="post-header-content"> <div> <div class="post-tags global-tags" aria-label="Categories"><a href="/category/articles/">Articles</a><a href="/category/advent/">Advent</a><a href="/category/catholic-liturgy/">Catholic Liturgy</a><a href="/category/liturgical-living/">Liturgical Living</a></div> <h1 class="post-title global-title">The Forgotten Penitential Roots of Advent: 3 Ways to Live This Season as a ‘Little Lent'</h1> <p class="post-excerpt global-excerpt">To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence.</p> </div> <div class="post-meta"> <div class="post-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="post-item-author global-item-author is-image global-image" aria-describedby="author-1"> <a href="/author/ryanbilodeau-2/" class="global-link" title="Author: Ryan Bilodeau"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2024/11/Ryan-Bilodeau-1-1.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Ryan Bilodeau" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-meta-content"> <a href="/author/ryanbilodeau-2/" title="Ryan Bilodeau" id="author-1">Ryan Bilodeau</a> <time datetime="2024-11-26">November 26, 2024 — 2 minutes read</time> </div> <div class="post-share-section" aria-label="Share this post"> <small>Share this post</small> <div class="post-share-wrap"> <a class="post-share-item" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Share on Facebook"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M23.9981 11.9991C23.9981 5.37216 18.626 0 11.9991 0C5.37216 0 0 5.37216 0 11.9991C0 17.9882 4.38789 22.9522 10.1242 23.8524V15.4676H7.07758V11.9991H10.1242V9.35553C10.1242 6.34826 11.9156 4.68714 14.6564 4.68714C15.9692 4.68714 17.3424 4.92149 17.3424 4.92149V7.87439H15.8294C14.3388 7.87439 13.8739 8.79933 13.8739 9.74824V11.9991H17.2018L16.6698 15.4676H13.8739V23.8524C19.6103 22.9522 23.9981 17.9882 23.9981 11.9991Z"/></svg></a> <a class="post-share-item" href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=The%20Forgotten%20Penitential%20Roots%20of%20Advent%3A%203%20Ways%20to%20Live%20This%20Season%20as%20a%20%E2%80%98Little%20Lent' https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Share on Whatsapp"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M17.498 14.382c-.301-.15-1.767-.867-2.04-.966-.273-.101-.473-.15-.673.15-.197.295-.771.964-.944 1.162-.175.195-.349.21-.646.075-.3-.15-1.263-.465-2.403-1.485-.888-.795-1.484-1.77-1.66-2.07-.174-.3-.019-.465.13-.615.136-.135.301-.345.451-.523.146-.181.194-.301.297-.496.1-.21.049-.375-.025-.524-.075-.15-.672-1.62-.922-2.206-.24-.584-.487-.51-.672-.51-.172-.015-.371-.015-.571-.015-.2 0-.523.074-.797.359-.273.3-1.045 1.02-1.045 2.475s1.07 2.865 1.219 3.075c.149.195 2.105 3.195 5.1 4.485.714.3 1.27.48 1.704.629.714.227 1.365.195 1.88.121.574-.091 1.767-.721 2.016-1.426.255-.705.255-1.29.18-1.425-.074-.135-.27-.21-.57-.345m-5.446 7.443h-.016c-1.77 0-3.524-.48-5.055-1.38l-.36-.214-3.75.975 1.005-3.645-.239-.375c-.99-1.576-1.516-3.391-1.516-5.26 0-5.445 4.455-9.885 9.942-9.885 2.654 0 5.145 1.035 7.021 2.91 1.875 1.859 2.909 4.35 2.909 6.99-.004 5.444-4.46 9.885-9.935 9.885M20.52 3.449C18.24 1.245 15.24 0 12.045 0 5.463 0 .104 5.334.101 11.893c0 2.096.549 4.14 1.595 5.945L0 24l6.335-1.652c1.746.943 3.71 1.444 5.71 1.447h.006c6.585 0 11.946-5.336 11.949-11.896 0-3.176-1.24-6.165-3.495-8.411"/></svg></a> <a class="post-share-item" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Forgotten%20Penitential%20Roots%20of%20Advent%3A%203%20Ways%20to%20Live%20This%20Season%20as%20a%20%E2%80%98Little%20Lent'&url=https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Share on X"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M26.37,26l-8.795-12.822l0.015,0.012L25.52,4h-2.65l-6.46,7.48L11.28,4H4.33l8.211,11.971L12.54,15.97L3.88,26h2.65 l7.182-8.322L19.42,26H26.37z M10.23,6l12.34,18h-2.1L8.12,6H10.23z"/></svg></a> <button class="post-share-link post-share-item" id="copy" data-clipboard-target="#copy-link" aria-label="Copy link" onclick="aria_timeout(this)"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 33 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M27.3999996,13.4004128 L21.7999996,13.4004128 L21.7999996,19 L18.9999996,19 L18.9999996,13.4004128 L13.3999996,13.4004128 L13.3999996,10.6006192 L18.9999996,10.6006192 L18.9999996,5 L21.7999996,5 L21.7999996,10.6006192 L27.3999996,10.6006192 L27.3999996,13.4004128 Z M12,20.87 C7.101,20.87 3.13,16.898 3.13,12 C3.13,7.102 7.101,3.13 12,3.13 C12.091,3.13 12.181,3.139 12.272,3.142 C9.866,5.336 8.347,8.487 8.347,12 C8.347,15.512 9.866,18.662 12.271,20.857 C12.18,20.859 12.091,20.87 12,20.87 Z M20.347,0 C18.882,0 17.484,0.276 16.186,0.756 C14.882,0.271 13.473,0 12,0 C5.372,0 0,5.373 0,12 C0,18.628 5.372,24 12,24 C13.471,24 14.878,23.726 16.181,23.242 C17.481,23.724 18.88,24 20.347,24 C26.975,24 32.347,18.628 32.347,12 C32.347,5.373 26.975,0 20.347,0 Z"/></svg></button> <small class="share-link-info global-alert" aria-hidden="true" aria-live="polite">The link has been copied!</small> </div> <input type="text" value="https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" id="copy-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-header-image"> <figure> <div class="global-image global-image-orientation global-radius is-square"> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2024/11/penance--2-.png 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2024/11/penance--2-.png 600w, /content/images/size/w1200/2024/11/penance--2-.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, (max-width:768px) 600px, 1200px" src="/content/images/size/w1200/2024/11/penance--2-.png" alt="what is advent meaning"> </div> <figcaption><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ChurchPOP</span></figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-content global-padding"> <p>When we think of Advent, we often picture candles on the wreath, festive hymns, and a countdown to Christmas. But the Church has always understood this season as more than a warm-up to the holidays. </p><p><strong>Advent is a time of preparation </strong>- not just for Christ’s birth but also for His return. And like Lent, it invites us to slow down, take stock, and turn our hearts toward God. </p><p><strong>This is why Advent has long been known as a “Little Lent” - a quieter, shorter season of reflection and penance.</strong><br><br>In an age when December feels more like a sprint to the finish line, recovering Advent’s penitential roots can help us rediscover its true meaning.</p><h3 id="advent%E2%80%99s-penitential-roots"><strong>Advent’s Penitential Roots</strong></h3><p>Did you know Advent’s penitential traditions date back to the Early Church? </p><p>By the sixth century, Catholics in Gaul observed “<a href="https://onepeterfive.com/forgotten-customs-of-martinmas-and-st-martins-lent/">Saint Martin’s Lent</a>,” a 40-day season of fasting and prayer beginning on November 11, the feast of Saint Martin of Tours. </p><p><strong>Though the season has since shortened to the four weeks we know today, its spiritual focus remains: repentance, anticipation, and preparing our hearts to encounter Christ.</strong><br><br>This spirit is reflected in Advent’s liturgy. </p><p>Violet vestments, the omission of the "Gloria," and the voice of John the Baptist calling us to “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Matt. 3:3) remind us that Advent isn’t merely a prelude to celebration but a call to conversion. Like Lent, it asks us to reflect on the state of our souls and make room for God’s grace.</p><h3 id="how-advent-disrupts-us"><strong>How Advent Disrupts Us</strong></h3><p>Advent and Lent are similar in their call to prepare, but Advent’s focus is uniquely twofold: looking back on Christ’s first coming in the manger and forward to His return in glory. This dual focus gives Advent a tension that is both joyful and sobering.<br><br>Like the Incarnation, Advent disrupts us, reminding us that the Divine breaks into human history with both mercy and judgment. </p><p>The manger may be humble, but it casts a shadow that stretches to the Cross. </p><p>In this sense, Christ’s birth is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a plan that leads to redemption and transformation - if we are willing to respond.</p><p>Advent also challenges us to see time differently. </p><p>The days of December are not just a countdown to gifts and gatherings; they are sacred days, inviting us to step outside the rush of the world and reflect on eternity. To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence.</p><h3 id="how-to-live-advent-as-a-%E2%80%9Clittle-lent%E2%80%9D"><strong>How to Live Advent as a “Little Lent”</strong></h3><p>Recovering the spirit of Advent doesn’t<strong> </strong>require<strong> </strong>drastic changes. Small, meaningful steps are all that is required to prepare your heart for Christ:<br></p><ul><li><em><strong>Pray Intentionally</strong> -</em> Reflect on the daily Mass readings or pray the Rosary. Meditate on the <a href="https://www.churchpop.com/prepare-your-heart-for-jesus-monks-beautifully-sing-o-antiphons-of-advent-listen-here/">"O" Antiphons</a> in the final days of Advent, letting their rich imagery draw you closer to Christ.</li><li><em><strong>Make a Sacrifice</strong> -</em> Small sacrifices like giving up sweets or limiting screen time can help clear space for God and remind us of what truly matters.</li><li><em><strong>Be Generous</strong> -</em> Acts of charity, whether donating to a food pantry or reaching out to someone in need, embody Advent’s call to love and prepare us to welcome Christ in others.</li></ul><h3 id="why-advent-matters"><strong>Why Advent Matters</strong></h3><p>Advent, like Lent, reminds us that joy is deepest when rooted in preparation. </p><p>By embracing its spirit of prayer, sacrifice, and generosity, we ready ourselves not just for the celebration of Christ’s birth but for His presence in our lives here and now and in the life to come.<br><br></p> <div id='CPOP_EN_Article_1' data-ad-position="upper"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('CPOP_EN_Article_1'); }); </script> </div> <div id='CPOP_EN_Article_2' data-ad-position="lower"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('CPOP_EN_Article_2'); }); </script> </div> <div id='CPOP_EN_Article_Footer' class="footer-ad"> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('CPOP_EN_Article_Footer'); }); </script> </div> <div class="post-share-section" aria-label="Share this post"> <small>Share this post</small> <div class="post-share-wrap"> <a class="post-share-item" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Share on Facebook"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M23.9981 11.9991C23.9981 5.37216 18.626 0 11.9991 0C5.37216 0 0 5.37216 0 11.9991C0 17.9882 4.38789 22.9522 10.1242 23.8524V15.4676H7.07758V11.9991H10.1242V9.35553C10.1242 6.34826 11.9156 4.68714 14.6564 4.68714C15.9692 4.68714 17.3424 4.92149 17.3424 4.92149V7.87439H15.8294C14.3388 7.87439 13.8739 8.79933 13.8739 9.74824V11.9991H17.2018L16.6698 15.4676H13.8739V23.8524C19.6103 22.9522 23.9981 17.9882 23.9981 11.9991Z"/></svg></a> <a class="post-share-item" href="https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=The%20Forgotten%20Penitential%20Roots%20of%20Advent%3A%203%20Ways%20to%20Live%20This%20Season%20as%20a%20%E2%80%98Little%20Lent' https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Share on Whatsapp"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M17.498 14.382c-.301-.15-1.767-.867-2.04-.966-.273-.101-.473-.15-.673.15-.197.295-.771.964-.944 1.162-.175.195-.349.21-.646.075-.3-.15-1.263-.465-2.403-1.485-.888-.795-1.484-1.77-1.66-2.07-.174-.3-.019-.465.13-.615.136-.135.301-.345.451-.523.146-.181.194-.301.297-.496.1-.21.049-.375-.025-.524-.075-.15-.672-1.62-.922-2.206-.24-.584-.487-.51-.672-.51-.172-.015-.371-.015-.571-.015-.2 0-.523.074-.797.359-.273.3-1.045 1.02-1.045 2.475s1.07 2.865 1.219 3.075c.149.195 2.105 3.195 5.1 4.485.714.3 1.27.48 1.704.629.714.227 1.365.195 1.88.121.574-.091 1.767-.721 2.016-1.426.255-.705.255-1.29.18-1.425-.074-.135-.27-.21-.57-.345m-5.446 7.443h-.016c-1.77 0-3.524-.48-5.055-1.38l-.36-.214-3.75.975 1.005-3.645-.239-.375c-.99-1.576-1.516-3.391-1.516-5.26 0-5.445 4.455-9.885 9.942-9.885 2.654 0 5.145 1.035 7.021 2.91 1.875 1.859 2.909 4.35 2.909 6.99-.004 5.444-4.46 9.885-9.935 9.885M20.52 3.449C18.24 1.245 15.24 0 12.045 0 5.463 0 .104 5.334.101 11.893c0 2.096.549 4.14 1.595 5.945L0 24l6.335-1.652c1.746.943 3.71 1.444 5.71 1.447h.006c6.585 0 11.946-5.336 11.949-11.896 0-3.176-1.24-6.165-3.495-8.411"/></svg></a> <a class="post-share-item" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Forgotten%20Penitential%20Roots%20of%20Advent%3A%203%20Ways%20to%20Live%20This%20Season%20as%20a%20%E2%80%98Little%20Lent'&url=https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Share on X"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M26.37,26l-8.795-12.822l0.015,0.012L25.52,4h-2.65l-6.46,7.48L11.28,4H4.33l8.211,11.971L12.54,15.97L3.88,26h2.65 l7.182-8.322L19.42,26H26.37z M10.23,6l12.34,18h-2.1L8.12,6H10.23z"/></svg></a> <button class="post-share-link post-share-item" id="copy" data-clipboard-target="#copy-link-footer" aria-label="Copy link" onclick="aria_timeout(this)"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 33 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M27.3999996,13.4004128 L21.7999996,13.4004128 L21.7999996,19 L18.9999996,19 L18.9999996,13.4004128 L13.3999996,13.4004128 L13.3999996,10.6006192 L18.9999996,10.6006192 L18.9999996,5 L21.7999996,5 L21.7999996,10.6006192 L27.3999996,10.6006192 L27.3999996,13.4004128 Z M12,20.87 C7.101,20.87 3.13,16.898 3.13,12 C3.13,7.102 7.101,3.13 12,3.13 C12.091,3.13 12.181,3.139 12.272,3.142 C9.866,5.336 8.347,8.487 8.347,12 C8.347,15.512 9.866,18.662 12.271,20.857 C12.18,20.859 12.091,20.87 12,20.87 Z M20.347,0 C18.882,0 17.484,0.276 16.186,0.756 C14.882,0.271 13.473,0 12,0 C5.372,0 0,5.373 0,12 C0,18.628 5.372,24 12,24 C13.471,24 14.878,23.726 16.181,23.242 C17.481,23.724 18.88,24 20.347,24 C26.975,24 32.347,18.628 32.347,12 C32.347,5.373 26.975,0 20.347,0 Z"/></svg></button> <small class="share-link-info global-alert" aria-hidden="true" aria-live="polite">The link has been copied!</small> </div> <input type="text" value="https://www.churchpop.com/the-forgotten-penitential-roots-of-advent-3-ways-to-live-this-season-as-a-little-lent/" id="copy-link-footer" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"> </div> </div> </article> <aside id="subscribe" aria-label="Subscribe to our newsletter"> <script charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript" src="//js.hsforms.net/forms/embed/v2.js"></script> <script> hbspt.forms.create({ region: "na1", portalId: "4395239", formId: "0136eb9e-bd7f-4b5f-8351-77bc854d58ba", cssClass: "inline global-padding" }); </script> </aside> <div class="comments-section global-padding"> </div> <aside class="special-section global-padding" aria-label="Related Articles"> <div class="special-subtitle global-subtitle"> <small class="global-subtitle-title"><span>Trending now:</span></small> </div> <div class="special-wrap"> <article class="item is-special is-image" aria-labelledby="as-67ad15f663d2980001554ecc"> <div class="item-image global-image global-image-orientation global-radius"> <a href="/catholicism-at-the-oscars-inside-the-catholic-churchs-historic-influence-on-hollywood-films/" class="global-link global-radius" aria-label="Catholicism at the Oscars: Inside The Catholic Church's Historic Influence on Hollywood Films"></a> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/Untitled-design--16--1.png 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--16--1.png 600w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, 600px" src="/content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--16--1.png" loading="lazy" alt=""> <div class="item-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="item-author global-item-author is-image global-image"> <a href="/author/claudette/" class="global-link" title="Author: Claudette Jerez"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2023/08/claudette.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Claudette Jerez" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="item-content"> <h2 class="item-title" id="as-67ad15f663d2980001554ecc"><a href="/catholicism-at-the-oscars-inside-the-catholic-churchs-historic-influence-on-hollywood-films/">Catholicism at the Oscars: Inside The Catholic Church's Historic Influence on Hollywood Films</a></h2> </div> </article> <article class="item is-special is-image" aria-labelledby="as-66cf845642d86400014e6ab2"> <div class="item-image global-image global-image-orientation global-radius"> <a href="/priests-need-friends-too-how-one-dinner-changed-my-parish-life/" class="global-link global-radius" aria-label="Priests Need Friends Too: How One Dinner Changed My Parish Life"></a> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/Untitled-design--4-.png 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--4-.png 600w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, 600px" src="/content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--4-.png" loading="lazy" alt=""> <div class="item-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="item-author global-item-author is-image global-image"> <a href="/author/nick-manning/" class="global-link" title="Author: Nick Manning"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2023/07/churchpop_icon-16.png" loading="lazy" alt="Nick Manning" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="item-content"> <h2 class="item-title" id="as-66cf845642d86400014e6ab2"><a href="/priests-need-friends-too-how-one-dinner-changed-my-parish-life/">Priests Need Friends Too: How One Dinner Changed My Parish Life</a></h2> </div> </article> <article class="item is-special is-image" aria-labelledby="as-67ae77f5956b6f0001636035"> <div class="item-image global-image global-image-orientation global-radius"> <a href="/the-forgotten-season-of-septuagesima-explained-unveiling-the-ancient-pre-lenten-tradition/" class="global-link global-radius" aria-label="The Forgotten Season of Septuagesima Explained: Unveiling the Ancient Pre-Lenten Tradition"></a> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/Untitled-design--18--2.png 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--18--2.png 600w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, 600px" src="/content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--18--2.png" loading="lazy" alt=""> <div class="item-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="item-author global-item-author is-image global-image"> <a href="/author/jacob/" class="global-link" title="Author: Jacob Stein"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2024/03/WhatsApp-Image-2024-03-18-at-7.52.36-AM-2-1.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Jacob Stein" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="item-content"> <h2 class="item-title" id="as-67ae77f5956b6f0001636035"><a href="/the-forgotten-season-of-septuagesima-explained-unveiling-the-ancient-pre-lenten-tradition/">The Forgotten Season of Septuagesima Explained: Unveiling the Ancient Pre-Lenten Tradition</a></h2> </div> </article> <article class="item is-special is-image" aria-labelledby="as-67ae6f41956b6f0001636001"> <div class="item-image global-image global-image-orientation global-radius"> <a href="/eager-to-find-a-spouse-5-essential-tips-for-catholic-singles-longing-for-marriage/" class="global-link global-radius" aria-label="Eager to Find a Spouse? 5 Essential Tips for Catholic Singles Longing for Marriage"></a> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/Untitled-design--17--1.png 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--17--1.png 600w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, 600px" src="/content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--17--1.png" loading="lazy" alt=""> <div class="item-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="item-author global-item-author is-image global-image"> <a href="/author/christina/" class="global-link" title="Author: Christina Herrera"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2023/08/WhatsApp-Image-2023-08-25-at-12.41.29-PM--1-.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt="Christina Herrera" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="item-content"> <h2 class="item-title" id="as-67ae6f41956b6f0001636001"><a href="/eager-to-find-a-spouse-5-essential-tips-for-catholic-singles-longing-for-marriage/">Eager to Find a Spouse? 5 Essential Tips for Catholic Singles Longing for Marriage</a></h2> </div> </article> <article class="item is-special is-image" aria-labelledby="as-67ae6038956b6f0001635fd3"> <div class="item-image global-image global-image-orientation global-radius"> <a href="/the-story-of-the-brave-priest-martyr-behind-valentines-day-uncovering-the-mysterious-legend/" class="global-link global-radius" aria-label="The Story of the Brave Priest & Martyr Behind Valentine’s Day: Uncovering the Mysterious Legend"></a> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-13-at-1.30.18-PM.jpeg 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-13-at-1.30.18-PM.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, 600px" src="/content/images/size/w600/2025/02/WhatsApp-Image-2025-02-13-at-1.30.18-PM.jpeg" loading="lazy" alt=""> <div class="item-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="item-author global-item-author is-image global-image"> <a href="/author/bridgetaugust/" class="global-link" title="Author: Bridget August"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/Bridget-Headshot-1.JPEG" loading="lazy" alt="Bridget August" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="item-content"> <h2 class="item-title" id="as-67ae6038956b6f0001635fd3"><a href="/the-story-of-the-brave-priest-martyr-behind-valentines-day-uncovering-the-mysterious-legend/">The Story of the Brave Priest & Martyr Behind Valentine’s Day: Uncovering the Mysterious Legend</a></h2> </div> </article> <article class="item is-special is-image" aria-labelledby="as-67ad0371e61a3d0001d15697"> <div class="item-image global-image global-image-orientation global-radius"> <a href="/how-the-catholic-church-defines-love-4-beautiful-quotes-from-the-catechism/" class="global-link global-radius" aria-label="How the Catholic Church Defines Love: 4 Beautiful Quotes from the Catechism"></a> <img srcset="/content/images/size/w300/2025/02/Untitled-design--2--1.png 300w, /content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--2--1.png 600w" sizes="(max-width:480px) 300px, 600px" src="/content/images/size/w600/2025/02/Untitled-design--2--1.png" loading="lazy" alt=""> <div class="item-authors global-authors"> <div> <div class="item-author global-item-author is-image global-image"> <a href="/author/caroline-perkins/" class="global-link" title="Author: Caroline Perkins"></a> <img src="/content/images/size/w300/2023/05/caroline-headshot-1-2.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Caroline Perkins" aria-hidden="true"> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="item-content"> <h2 class="item-title" id="as-67ad0371e61a3d0001d15697"><a href="/how-the-catholic-church-defines-love-4-beautiful-quotes-from-the-catechism/">How the Catholic Church Defines Love: 4 Beautiful Quotes from the Catechism</a></h2> </div> </article> </div> </aside> </main> <footer class="footer-section global-footer is-partial-color"> <div class="footer-wrap global-padding"> <div class="footer-subscribe" aria-label="Subscribe to our newsletter"> <h3 class="global-title">Did you enjoy our stories? <span>Get them in your inbox!</span></h3> <div class="subscribe-section"> <div class="subscribe-wrap"> <form data-members-form="subscribe" class="subscribe-form" data-members-autoredirect="false"> <input data-members-email type="email" placeholder="Your email address" aria-label="Your email address" required> <a class="global-button" href="#subscribe" role="button">Subscribe</a> </form> <div class="subscribe-alert"> <small class="alert-loading global-alert">Processing your application</small> <small class="alert-success global-alert">Please check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.</small> <small class="alert-error global-alert">There was an error sending the email</small> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-container"> <div class="footer-content"> <div class="footer-logo"> <a href="https://www.churchpop.com" class="is-logo"><img src="https://www.churchpop.com/content/images/2023/07/churchpop_horizontal_logo.png" alt="ChurchPOP home"></a> </div> <p class="footer-description">Make holy all the things!</p> </div> <nav class="footer-nav"> <div class="footer-nav-column is-social"> <small>Follow Us</small> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/churchpopsite/"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M23.9981 11.9991C23.9981 5.37216 18.626 0 11.9991 0C5.37216 0 0 5.37216 0 11.9991C0 17.9882 4.38789 22.9522 10.1242 23.8524V15.4676H7.07758V11.9991H10.1242V9.35553C10.1242 6.34826 11.9156 4.68714 14.6564 4.68714C15.9692 4.68714 17.3424 4.92149 17.3424 4.92149V7.87439H15.8294C14.3388 7.87439 13.8739 8.79933 13.8739 9.74824V11.9991H17.2018L16.6698 15.4676H13.8739V23.8524C19.6103 22.9522 23.9981 17.9882 23.9981 11.9991Z"/></svg>Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/Church_POP"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"><path d="M26.37,26l-8.795-12.822l0.015,0.012L25.52,4h-2.65l-6.46,7.48L11.28,4H4.33l8.211,11.971L12.54,15.97L3.88,26h2.65 l7.182-8.322L19.42,26H26.37z M10.23,6l12.34,18h-2.1L8.12,6H10.23z"/></svg>X</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/churchpop/"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M12 0C8.74 0 8.333.015 7.053.072 5.775.132 4.905.333 4.14.63c-.789.306-1.459.717-2.126 1.384S.935 3.35.63 4.14C.333 4.905.131 5.775.072 7.053.012 8.333 0 8.74 0 12s.015 3.667.072 4.947c.06 1.277.261 2.148.558 2.913.306.788.717 1.459 1.384 2.126.667.666 1.336 1.079 2.126 1.384.766.296 1.636.499 2.913.558C8.333 23.988 8.74 24 12 24s3.667-.015 4.947-.072c1.277-.06 2.148-.262 2.913-.558.788-.306 1.459-.718 2.126-1.384.666-.667 1.079-1.335 1.384-2.126.296-.765.499-1.636.558-2.913.06-1.28.072-1.687.072-4.947s-.015-3.667-.072-4.947c-.06-1.277-.262-2.149-.558-2.913-.306-.789-.718-1.459-1.384-2.126C21.319 1.347 20.651.935 19.86.63c-.765-.297-1.636-.499-2.913-.558C15.667.012 15.26 0 12 0zm0 2.16c3.203 0 3.585.016 4.85.071 1.17.055 1.805.249 2.227.415.562.217.96.477 1.382.896.419.42.679.819.896 1.381.164.422.36 1.057.413 2.227.057 1.266.07 1.646.07 4.85s-.015 3.585-.074 4.85c-.061 1.17-.256 1.805-.421 2.227-.224.562-.479.96-.899 1.382-.419.419-.824.679-1.38.896-.42.164-1.065.36-2.235.413-1.274.057-1.649.07-4.859.07-3.211 0-3.586-.015-4.859-.074-1.171-.061-1.816-.256-2.236-.421-.569-.224-.96-.479-1.379-.899-.421-.419-.69-.824-.9-1.38-.165-.42-.359-1.065-.42-2.235-.045-1.26-.061-1.649-.061-4.844 0-3.196.016-3.586.061-4.861.061-1.17.255-1.814.42-2.234.21-.57.479-.96.9-1.381.419-.419.81-.689 1.379-.898.42-.166 1.051-.361 2.221-.421 1.275-.045 1.65-.06 4.859-.06l.045.03zm0 3.678c-3.405 0-6.162 2.76-6.162 6.162 0 3.405 2.76 6.162 6.162 6.162 3.405 0 6.162-2.76 6.162-6.162 0-3.405-2.76-6.162-6.162-6.162zM12 16c-2.21 0-4-1.79-4-4s1.79-4 4-4 4 1.79 4 4-1.79 4-4 4zm7.846-10.405c0 .795-.646 1.44-1.44 1.44-.795 0-1.44-.646-1.44-1.44 0-.794.646-1.439 1.44-1.439.793-.001 1.44.645 1.44 1.439z"/></svg><span class="social-name">Instagram</span></a></li> <li><a href="https://t.me/churchpop"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M9.028 20.837c-.714 0-.593-.271-.839-.949l-2.103-6.92L22.263 3.37"/><path d="M9.028 20.837c.552 0 .795-.252 1.105-.553l2.941-2.857-3.671-2.214"/><path d="M9.403 15.213l8.89 6.568c1.015.56 1.748.271 2-.942l3.62-17.053c.372-1.487-.564-2.159-1.534-1.72L1.125 10.263c-1.45.582-1.443 1.392-.264 1.753l5.455 1.7L18.94 5.753c.595-.36 1.143-.167.694.232"/></svg><span class="social-name">Telegram</span></a></li> <li><a href="/feed/"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.199 24C19.199 13.467 10.533 4.8 0 4.8V0c13.165 0 24 10.835 24 24h-4.801zM3.291 17.415c1.814 0 3.293 1.479 3.293 3.295 0 1.813-1.485 3.29-3.301 3.29C1.47 24 0 22.526 0 20.71s1.475-3.294 3.291-3.295zM15.909 24h-4.665c0-6.169-5.075-11.245-11.244-11.245V8.09c8.727 0 15.909 7.184 15.909 15.91z"/></svg><span class="social-name">RSS</span></a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer-nav-column"> <small>ChurchPOP</small> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.churchpop.com/about/">About</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.churchpop.com/authors/">Authors</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.churchpop.com/submissionstips/">Submissions/Tips</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.ewtnadvertising.com/cpop">Advertising</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.churchpop.com/contact/">Contact</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer-nav-column"> <small>ChurchPOP Global</small> <ul> <li><a href="https://churchpop.com">English</a></li> <li><a href="https://es.churchpop.com">Español</a></li> <li><a href="https://pt.churchpop.com">Português</a></li> <li><a href="https://it.churchpop.com">Italiano</a></li> <li><a href="https://hu.churchpop.com">Magyar</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="footer-nav-column"> <small>Privacy</small> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.churchpop.com/privacy-policy/">Privacy Policy</a></li> <li>  <button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>  </li> <li><a href="https://www.churchpop.com/disclaimer/">Disclaimer</a></li> </ul> </div> </nav> <div class="footer-copyright"> © <a href="https://www.churchpop.com">ChurchPOP</a> 2025. A service of EWTN News Inc. </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> </div> <div id="notifications" class="global-notification"> <div class="subscribe">You’ve successfully subscribed to ChurchPOP</div> <div class="signin">Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.</div> <div class="signup">Great! You’ve successfully signed up.</div> <div class="update-email">Success! Your email is updated.</div> <div class="expired">Your link has expired</div> <div class="checkout-success">Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.</div> </div> <div class="search-section" role="dialog" aria-modal="true"> <div class="search-wrap"> <div class="search-content is-partial-color"> <form class="search-form" onsubmit="return false"> <input class="search-input" type="text" placeholder="Search"> <div class="search-meta"> <span class="search-info">Please enter at least 3 characters</span> <span class="search-counter is-hide"> <span class="search-counter-results">0</span> Results for your search </span> </div> </form> <div class="search-results global-image"></div> <button class="search-close" aria-label="Close Search"><svg role="img" viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M11.997 10.846L1.369.219 1.363.214A.814.814 0 00.818.005.821.821 0 000 .822c0 .201.074.395.208.545l.006.006L10.842 12 .214 22.626l-.006.006a.822.822 0 00-.208.546c0 .447.37.817.818.817a.814.814 0 00.551-.215l10.628-10.627 10.628 10.628.005.005a.816.816 0 001.368-.603.816.816 0 00-.213-.552l-.006-.005L13.151 12l10.63-10.627c.003 0 .004-.003.006-.005A.82.82 0 0024 .817a.817.817 0 00-1.37-.602l-.004.004-10.63 10.627z"/></svg></button> </div> </div> <div class="search-overlay"></div> </div> <script src="https://www.churchpop.com/assets/js/global.js?v=802cc2cc6e"></script> <script src="https://www.churchpop.com/assets/js/post.js?v=802cc2cc6e"></script> <script> !function(){"use strict";const p=new URLSearchParams(window.location.search),isAction=p.has("action"),isStripe=p.has("stripe"),success=p.get("success"),action=p.get("action"),stripe=p.get("stripe"),n=document.getElementById("notifications"),a="is-subscribe",b="is-signin",c="is-signup",f="is-update-email",d="is-expired",e="is-checkout-success";p&&(isAction&&(action=="subscribe"&&success=="true"&&n.classList.add(a),action=="signup-paid"&&success=="true"&&n.classList.add(a),action=="signin"&&success=="true"&&n.classList.add(b),action=="signup"&&success=="true"&&n.classList.add(c),action=="updateEmail"&&success=="true"&&n.classList.add(f),success=="false"&&n.classList.add(d)),isStripe&&stripe=="success"&&n.classList.add(e),(isAction||isStripe)&&setTimeout(function(){window.history.replaceState(null,null,window.location.pathname),n.classList.remove(a,b,c,d,e,f)},5000))}(); </script> <script> const options = { api:'https://www.churchpop.com/ghost/api/content/posts/?key='+"4c4f48df5a4d65baace97dc86b"+'&limit=all&fields=url,title,feature_image,published_at,custom_excerpt,visibility,html', threshold: 0.1, ignoreLocation: true, keys: ['title','custom_excerpt','html'], images: true, limit: 14 } </script> <div id='CPOP_EN_Slider' style='min-width: 300px; min-height: 50px;'> <script> googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('CPOP_EN_Slider'); }); </script> </div> </body> </html>