1. What is the original meaning of the word “Lent”?
A) Prayer
B) Strength
C) Family
D) Spring
Answer: D; The word lent come from the Old English, “lencten,” with means spring.
2. How many days are there in Lent?
A) 15 days
B) 40 days
C) 46 days
D) 1 day
Answer: B; There are 40 days in Lent. The season lasts from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, which makes 46 days – but the six Sundays are not included in the 40 days of Lent and Catholics are not required to fast during these days.
3. Which Biblical event does the time of Lent represent?
A) The Virgin Mary’s pregnancy
B) Noah’s days on the Ark
C) The days Jesus retreated into the wilderness and fasted.
D) The 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God
Answer: C; By observing the 40 days of Lent, we replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the wilderness in the desert for 40 days, where he fasted, was tempted by the devil and prepared to begin his ministry.
4. Which devotion has a special place during Lent?
A) Stations of the Cross
B) Novenas
C) Hail Mary
D) Triduum
Answer: A; The Stations of the Cross are our way to pray and mediate on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. There are 14 stations and each one represents a moment from the time Jesus was condemned to his burial – which occur during the last week of Lent.
5. What word is never sung or said during Lent?
A) Amen
B) Alleluia
C) God Almighty
D) Ave Maria
Answer: B; The word Alleluia derives from Hebrew and means “Praise Yahweh.” It is a term of great joy and used to join the angels’ worship of God’s throne. It serves as a reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven is established. During Lent, we focus on the Kingdom coming, not the Kingdom we already have. Finally, on Easter with the Lord is Risen, Alleluia returns, as well.
