Lent 2025: the interlinking strands of Mercy, Justice and Hope

Lent begins this year on Wednesday 5 March.

This Lent we are focusing on the interlinking strands of Mercy, Justice and Hope. When we are moved by compassion to reach out to others, to act for Justice and Mercy, we can be a sign of hope to the world. Our theme this year links to the Jubilee Year of Hope we are celebrating in the universal Church.

Mercy in Action means Hope for All

Each week of Lent, Fellows from our Mercy Emerging Leadership Fellowship (MELF) will share reflections on this theme.

These will be available on our website and on our social media pages.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent.  It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

The English word ‘Lent’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon word Lencten, meaning ‘Spring’.  In other languages the word comes from the Latin, Quadragesima – a period of 40 days.  In our Christian tradition the forty days is understood to refer to a time of intense prayer and preparation.