Photo: Express-News Archives
1. First up – what it Lent? Lent is derived from the Anglo Saxon word “lencten,” which means “spring,” according to the United Methodist Church’s website. It is a 40-day period of prayer and refection for Christians that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.
In this photo, parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church pray during Easter Sunday mass on April 3, 1994. less
Photo: Express-News Archives
2. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are used to symbolize mortality: When Christians receive their ashes in the form of a cross, it “indicates our understanding of the need for repentance,” the Rev. Kim Bosley wrote in a column for the Express-News. The ashes are made from the burning of dry palms used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday mass.
In this photo, worshipers receiver their ashes on Ash Wednesday at the San Fernando Cathedral on Feb. 28, 1990. less
2. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are used to symbolize mortality: When Christians receive their ashes in the form of a cross, it “indicates our understanding of the need for repentance,” the Rev. Kim Bosley wrote … more
Photo: Express-News Archives
3. When does Holy Week come in to play? Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, Christ ate his last supper with his disciples, and on Good Friday, he was crucified. On Holy Saturday, Christ makes the transition between crucifixion and resurrection. He ascends into Heaven on Easter Sunday, according to History.com.
This photo shows the annual passion play hosted by the San Fernando Cathedral on Good Friday in 1985. less
3. When does Holy Week come in to play? Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, Christ ate his last supper with his disciples, and on Good Friday, he … more
Photo: Express-News Archives
4. Lent is practiced for 40 days, excluding Sundays: There are many references to the meaning of a 40-day lent, but in the New Testament, lent honors Jesus Christ’s 40 days in the desert, where he endured temptation from the Devil and focused on self-examination, according to Bosley’s column.
This painting by Gustave Dore portrays Christ being tempted by the Devil. less
4. Lent is practiced for 40 days, excluding Sundays: There are many references to the meaning of a 40-day lent, but in the New Testament, lent honors Jesus Christ’s 40 days in the desert, where he endured … more
Photo: PHAS, Getty Images
5. So what was Jesus Christ doing in the desert in the first place? During Christ’s baptism at the Jordan River in Israel, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended from Heaven and sent the son of God into the wilderness to begin his ministry, according to a previous Express-News report.
In this photo, participants dressed as angels march in the annual Easter procession during traditional Semana Santa (Holy Week) festivities on April 5, 2015 in Ouro Preto, Brazil. less
5. So what was Jesus Christ doing in the desert in the first place? During Christ’s baptism at the Jordan River in Israel, the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended from Heaven and sent the son of God … more
Photo: Mario Tama
6. And why are Sundays are not counted during those 40 days? During Lent, Sundays are already considered “mini-Easters,” according to UMC’s website. On those days, Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ and do not fast.
This photo shows worshippers holding the body of Christ at the San Fernando Cathedral on Good Friday in 1985. less
6. And why are Sundays are not counted during those 40 days? During Lent, Sundays are already considered “mini-Easters,” according to UMC’s website. On those days, Christians celebrate the resurrection of … more
Photo: Express-News Archives
7. There is no “one size fits all” for Lenten practices: Christians steer away from material goods or addictions that have a negative effect on their life, but they are also asked to replenish their spirit. By doing this, observers donate to charity, volunteer, fast, pray or meditate, according to Bosley’s column.
In this photo, Nehemiah O’Neal lines up bags and boxes of food to be distributed during the Gift of Hope food distribution event. less
7. There is no “one size fits all” for Lenten practices: Christians steer away from material goods or addictions that have a negative effect on their life, but they are also asked to replenish their spirit. By … more
Photo: Billy Calzada, Staff / San Antonio Express-News
8. Actually, Pope Francis wants worshipers to reflect on their spirit more than anything during Lent: In the Ash Wednesday mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Pope Francis described Lent as a good time “to train ourselves to be more sensitive and merciful” to others, the Associated Press reported. He proclaimed this year as the Holy Year of Mercy and urges the act of forgiveness. less
8. Actually, Pope Francis wants worshipers to reflect on their spirit more than anything during Lent: In the Ash Wednesday mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Pope Francis described Lent as a good time … more
Photo: Alessandra Tarantino, AP
9. The partying that surrounds Mardi Gras is connected to Lent: During the popular festivities around the world, partygoers binge on food to prepare for their 40-day fast, according to the History Channel. The last day of Mardi Gras, fittingly called Fat Tuesday, occurs on the day before Ash Wednesday. less
9. The partying that surrounds Mardi Gras is connected to Lent: During the popular festivities around the world, partygoers binge on food to prepare for their 40-day fast, according to the History Channel. The … more
Photo: Brynn Anderson, AP
10. Lent does not fall on the same dates every year: According to the History Channel, Christians in the western hemisphere set Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox.
In this photo from 1990, parents and children gather eggs at the annual Easter egg hunt in Laredo, Texas. less
10. Lent does not fall on the same dates every year: According to the History Channel, Christians in the western hemisphere set Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox.
In … more
Photo: Express-News Archives
11. Easter does not have any connection to the town Easter, Texas: The tiny settlement in the Panhandle was named after William Frank Easter, who settled the town in the early 1900s, according to the Texas State Historical Association. The town boomed in the mid-20th Century but in 2000, a population of 30 was reported to the U.S. Census.
This photo from March 1975 shows a child speaking to an Easter bunny. less
11. Easter does not have any connection to the town Easter, Texas: The tiny settlement in the Panhandle was named after William Frank Easter, who settled the town in the early 1900s, according to the Texas … more
Photo: Express-News Archives
12. However, Easter does have a connection to Fredericksburg’s annual Easter Fires: On Holy Saturday, around 22 hills near Fredericksburg are lit with bonfires to celebrate Easter, according to the TSHA. The fires date as far back as 1847, the year of the first Easter celebration in the area.
In this photo, an Easter fire is seen on March 30, 2013 in Visselhoevede in Germany. less
12. However, Easter does have a connection to Fredericksburg’s annual Easter Fires: On Holy Saturday, around 22 hills near Fredericksburg are lit with bonfires to celebrate Easter, according to the TSHA. The … more
Photo: Daniel Reinhardt, AFP/Getty Images
Texas’ biggest megachurches ranked by membership. less
Texas’ biggest megachurches ranked by membership.
Where are Texas’ biggest megachurches?
Texas has many of the biggest Protestant congregations in the U.S. Some of these megachurches are so popular that their websites offer livestreams of sermons. Inside the church, multiple big screens allow congregants to get a view of the rock star pastor.
See the list of the most massive megachurches in Texas, and their reported attendance figures.
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Where are Texas’ biggest megachurches?
… more
Photo: Nick De La Torre
Lakewood Church – Houston
Pastor Joel Osteen
Attendance: 43,500 (largest church congregation in the U.S.)
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Lakewood Church – Houston
Pastor Joel Osteen
Attendance: 43,500 (largest church congregation in the U.S.)
… more
Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle
Second Baptist Church – Houston
Pastor Ed Young
Attendance: 23,659
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Second Baptist Church – Houston
Pastor Ed Young
Attendance: 23,659
… more
Photo: James Nielsen, Chronicle
Fellowship Church – Grapevine
Rev. Ed Young Jr.
Attendance: 19,913
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Fellowship Church – Grapevine
Rev. Ed Young Jr.
Attendance: 19,913
Photo: Fellowship Church
The Potter’s House – Dallas
Bishop T.D. Jakes
Attendance: 17,000
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The Potter’s House – Dallas
Bishop T.D. Jakes
Attendance: 17,000
… more
Photo: Screenshot
Cornerstone Church – San Antonio
Pastor John C. Hagee
Attendance: 17,000
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Cornerstone Church – San Antonio
Pastor John C. Hagee
Attendance: 17,000
Photo: Courtesy Photo
Gateway Church – Southlake
Pastor Robert Morris
Attendance: 17,000
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Gateway Church – Southlake
Pastor Robert Morris
Attendance: 17,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
The Woodlands Church – The Woodlands
Pastor Kerry Shook
Attendance: 16,380
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The Woodlands Church – The Woodlands
Pastor Kerry Shook
Attendance: 16,380
Photo: TODD SPOTH, PHOTOGRAPHER
Prestonwood Baptist Church – Plano
Pastor Jack Graham
Attendance: 15,800
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Prestonwood Baptist Church – Plano
Pastor Jack Graham
Attendance: 15,800
Photo: Google StreetView
Community Bible Church – San Antonio
Pastor Robert Emmitt
Attendance: 14,000
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Community Bible Church – San Antonio
Pastor Robert Emmitt
Attendance: 14,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
New Light Church – Houston
Bishop Ira V. Hilliard
Attendance: 13,500
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New Light Church – Houston
Bishop Ira V. Hilliard
Attendance: 13,500
… more
Photo: Melissa Phillip
The Village Church – Highland Village
Pastor Matt Chandler
Attendance: 10,000
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The Village Church – Highland Village
Pastor Matt Chandler
Attendance: 10,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship – Dallas
Pastor Tony Evans
Attendance: 9,000
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Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship – Dallas
Pastor Tony Evans
Attendance: 9,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
Oak Hills Church – San Antonio
Pastor Max Lucado less
Oak Hills Church – San Antonio
Pastor Max Lucado
Attendance: 8,800
Photo: Thomas Nelson Publishing
The Austin Stone Community Church – Austin
Pastor: Matt Carter
Attendance: 8,000
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The Austin Stone Community Church – Austin
Pastor: Matt Carter
Attendance: 8,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
Friendship West Baptist Church – Dallas
Pastor Fredrick Haynes
Attendance: 8,000
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Friendship West Baptist Church – Dallas
Pastor Fredrick Haynes
Attendance: 8,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
Shoreline Christian Church – Austin
Pastor Robert Koke
Attendance: 8,000
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Shoreline Christian Church – Austin
PastorRobert Koke
Attendance: 8,000
… more
Photo: Screenshots
Abundant Living Faith Center – El Paso
Pastor Charles Nieman
Attendance: 8,000
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Abundant Living Faith Center – El Paso
Pastor Charles Nieman
Attendance: 8,000
Photo: Screenshots
Inspiring Body of Christ Church – Dallas
Pastor Rickie G. Rush
Attendance: 7,500
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Inspiring Body of Christ Church – Dallas
Pastor Rickie G. Rush
Attendance: 7,500
… more
Photo: Screenshots
Bay Area Fellowship – Corpus Christi
Pastor: Bil Cornelius
Attendance: 6,957
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Bay Area Fellowship – Corpus Christi
Pastor: Bil Cornelius
Attendance: 6,957
… more
Photo: Screenshots
First Baptist Church – Houston
Pastor Gregg Matte
Attendance: 6,458
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First Baptist Church – Houston
Pastor Gregg Matte
Attendance: 6,458
Photo: Karen Warren
Church Without Walls – Houston
Pastor Ralph West
Attendance: 6,400
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Church Without Walls – Houston
Pastor Ralph West
Attendance: 6,400
Photo: Michael Paulsen, Houston Chronicle
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church – Houston
Rev. Marcus D. Crosby
Attendance: 6,000
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Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church – Houston
Rev. Marcus D. Crosby
Attendance: 6,000
Photo: E. Joseph Deering, Houston Chronicle
Community of Faith – Houston
Bishop James Dixon II
Attendance: 6,000
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Community of Faith – Houston
Bishop James Dixon II
Attendance: 6,000
… more
Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Chronicle
Champion Forest Baptist Church – Houston
Pastor David Fleming
Attendance: 5,400
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Champion Forest Baptist Church – Houston
Pastor David Fleming
Attendance: 5,400
Photo: File / Google Street View
12 quick facts Texans should know about Lent, from its history to the modern day
Forty days of Lent. It’s a Christian event that occurs every spring, but how many of us really know what it means?
Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, known best as the 40 days when worshipers sacrifice of themselves by forfeiting habits of all kinds – like alcohol, gossiping, Big Red, candy, etc.
Texas also has unique traditions pertaining to Easter, including the famous bonfires in the Hill Country on Holy Saturday.
But this year Pope Francis is asking everyone to delve deeper and use this time to pray and contribute to society.
During the Ash Wednesday mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Francis said Lent is a good time “to train ourselves to be more sensitive and merciful.”
RELATED: What should San Antonio give up for Lent?
“True love, indeed, is not an exterior act, it’s not to give something in a paternalistic way to satisfy the conscience, but it is accepting those who need our time, our friendship, our help,” Francis said in his homily, according to a report from the Associated Press.
With many coworkers, friends and total strangers donning a forehead mark for Ash Wednesday, we’ve listed a few things that you may not know about Lent, such as its true meaning.
From its origin in Israel to its connection to Mardi Gras, these facts will make you think twice about the meaning behind the ashes.
rsalinas@mysa.com
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