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The Lenten Sacrifice
Catholics mark the 40 days and 40 nights
Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 | Updated 10:26 AM CST
Cardinal's Ash Wednesday blessing: "From dust you came and unto dust you shall return."
According to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, Lent -- which begins on Ash Wednesday, which follows Shrove Tuesday -- is about preparing for Easter, one of the church's high holy days in which the resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated.
During Lent, Catholics mark the 40 days and 40 nights during with Christ wandered the dessert without food or drink, staving off the temptations of the Devil.
Often, the notion of sacrificing a pleasure is attached to the time period, but some Catholics opt to add a certain kind action or an incidence of volunteerism to their lives during that time.
The Chicago Sun-Times asked several prominent Chicagoans what their take on Lent is.
Share you're own thoughts below.
Copyright SunTimes
Posted Thursday, Jul 16, 2009 - 5:35 PM CST
