Having trouble picking what to give up for Lent?

As we approach Lent, it’s a good time to reflect on its purpose and how we can make the most of this season. Lent, the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025, prepares us for Easter by calling us to sacrifice, reflect, and give.

We know you know this, but what does it hurt to hear it again! Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, resisting temptation and preparing for His mission. During this time, we are invited to follow His example by setting aside distractions and focusing on what truly matters. We are encouraged to embrace:  

• Prayer – Deepening our connection with God through personal reflection and communal worship.  
• Fasting – Offering small sacrifices as a way to strengthen self-discipline and reliance on God.  
• Almsgiving– Giving to those in need, whether through financial contributions, time, or acts of kindness.

This year, Lent carries special significance as it coincides with the Jubilee Year, a time of hope, conversion, and acts of charity.  

Many people choose to give up sweets or other small indulgences for Lent, and while that is a good practice, it’s worth considering how we can do more. As St. James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead.” This Lent, challenge yourself not just to give up something but to give of yourself. Here are some ideas:  

• Volunteer Locally – Your parish, food banks/shelters, special needs programs, or humane societies always need extra hands. Your time can make a real difference.  
• Support Charities – Find a cause that speaks to you and contribute financially or by donating supplies.  
• Help Loved Ones – Sometimes charity starts at home. Offer help to an elderly neighbor, a struggling friend, or someone in your parish.  
• Use Your Talents – Whether you’re good at teaching, coaching, fixing things, or providing comfort, your unique skills can be a gift to someone else who may be praying for it.  
• Pray for Others – If physically helping isn’t an option, commit to praying for those in need each day of Lent, especially for the persecuted Christians in the holy land, and elsewhere abroad. Put your Rosary out somewhere that you frequently pass by or look at as a reminder.

The Catholic Church has many saints who dedicated their lives to serving others. This Lent, take inspiration from their stories and the impact they made. You can read more about them in the itineraries attached to the countries below:  

• St. Francis of Assisi (Italy) – Born into wealth, St. Francis renounced his riches to serve the poor and rebuild the Church. His love for the marginalized and his humility remind us that true wealth is found in generosity and selflessness. 
• St. Ignatius of Loyola (Spain) – Ignatius believed that life should be measured by things greater than riches, fame, and honor. He encouraged his Jesuits to think boldly, imagine creatively, love enthusiastically, labor tirelessly, and give generously. The Jesuits, the religious order he founded, are known for their missionary, educational, and charitable work, showing us that faith is not just about belief but about action.  
• St. Thérèse of Lisieux (France) – Known as "The Little Flower," St. Thérèse lived a quiet life of devotion, emphasizing that holiness is found in small, everyday acts of love. She believed that even the smallest gestures—done with great love—could have a profound impact. Her “Little Way” reminds us that charity doesn’t have to be grand; even simple kindness can transform the world around us.

These saints lived in places like Italy, Spain, and France—destinations we visit on our pilgrimages. Walking in their footsteps and seeing where they lived, worked, and served, feeds our passion for purposeful travel.  

Lent isn’t just a season to “get through”—it’s an opportunity to grow in faith and become more like Christ. We are all called to be saints, and that calling isn’t reserved for a few special people. It’s for all of us.  

This year, let’s take Lent seriously. The world is filled with challenges, and we are fortunate to even have the choice to give up something as small as dessert. Don’t take that privilege for granted!  

If you have any questions about the places where these saints lived or are interested in traveling there with us, feel free to contact us through our website here.

Wishing you a meaningful Lent,  

The Trinity Tour Travels Team