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LiturgyMarch 05, 2026

Septuagesima — The Lost Season of Pre-Lent

Before Vatican II, there was a 'buffer zone' before Lent. Why some Catholics still celebrate the purple season of 'Shrovetide'.

M
MyPrayerTower Team
4 min read Theological Reflection

Lent is hard. You don't just sprint into a marathon. You need to stretch first. That is Septuagesima (roughly 70 days before Easter).

The "Goodbye to Alleluia"

In the traditional calendar, the "Alleluia" is buried three Sundays before Ash Wednesday. The priest wears purple. The Gloria is omitted. It is a "soft launch" of Lent. It gives you 2.5 weeks to eat the ice cream, figure out your penances, and get your mind ready for the desert.

Bringing it Back

Even if your parish doesn't celebrate it, you can. Start weaning yourself off Netflix. Start praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. Ease into the fast.


Get ready. The desert is calling. MyPrayerTower app.



A Prayer for Grace

As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:

"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."


Deepen Your Spiritual Journey

If you found this reflection helpful, we invite you to explore more ways to strengthen your faith with MyPrayerTower:

May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
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