Living Lenten Lessons
As a member of a devout Roman Catholic family, I grew up with many Lenten traditions. We would participate with the Roman Catholic Church in its rites and practices. Even at home my siblings and I followed solemn teachings. It started officially in the Liturgical calendar on Ash Wednesday. A cross of ash is marked on the person’s forehead. From dust and to dust we shall return. Fasting and abstinence are observed during Fridays. Only one full meal is allowed during the day. And, the faithful is instructed not to eat meat. I remember my mother would cook fried fish and cocido to go with it. It was delicious and spiritually good for the soul. The main event is the Holy Week. Before it unfolds Palm Sunday is celebrated. We would go to mass with palm leaves from our mother’s beautiful garden. By the way, the palms are burnt into ash and are used during Ash Wednesday. Everything is part of the grand divine scheme. What is unusual about our family is instead of going to the p...