Tuesday 24 February 2009

Shrove Tuesday ...


Here in the presbytery, we all enjoy pancakes as I'm sure you do too.

I'm sure you also know the origins of the custom of eating pancakes on the last day before the beginning of Lent. The practice of using up all the fat and eggs which were, originally at least, forbidden during Lent gave rise to all those delicious pancakes that we enjoy on the last day before Lent.

The word, 'shrove' comes from the old verb, 'to shrive' which means to hear confessions. It is part of our Easter Duties to go to confession before receiving Holy Communion at least once during the Easter Season.

We feast today and fast tomorrow on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. There are only two days in the year when the Church asks us to fast and practice abstinence - Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooooooooooooooooh, pancakes a day late, I think, this year. Hope you fasted today!

Anonymous said...

My mouth is watering already. I'm also enjoying eating up all the chocolate at home before tomorrow comes!