Lent is one of the most sacred and meaningful seasons in the Catholic liturgical calendar. For Catholics in Vietnam, these 40 days are not only a time of prayer and sacrifice, but also a journey of interior conversion, communal unity, and preparation of the heart to celebrate Easter.

Notably, in 2026, a rare event occurs: Ash Wednesday falls on the second day of the Lunar New Year (Tet). This coincidence creates a unique context in which the penitential spirit of Lent meets the joyful reunions of the Vietnamese New Year.

1. When does Lent 2026 begin and end?

Lent 2026 in Vietnam begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (the second day of the Lunar New Year) and concludes before the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. Easter Sunday 2026 falls on April 5, 2026.

Traditionally, Lent lasts 40 days. This period is calculated from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, excluding the six Sundays (since every Sunday is a celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord and is therefore not counted as a day of fasting).

For many Vietnamese Catholics, beginning the new year with the Ash Wednesday Mass carries profound meaning: it is a call to return to God, to purify the heart, and to place Him at the center of all plans and aspirations.

Learn more about ASH WEDNESDAY – MEANING AND ORIGIN

This is a distinctive aspect of Catholic life in Vietnam, where cultural traditions and the Church’s liturgical life harmoniously coexist.

2. The Meaning of the Core Practices of Lent

The heart of Lent is not sorrow, but purification in hope, leading to new life in Christ. It is a time for each person to examine his or her relationship with God and neighbor, to turn away from sinful habits, and to grow in holiness.

2.1. Meditation on the 15 Mysteries of the Passion

Meditation on the 15 Mysteries of the Passion is a traditional devotion particularly characteristic of Vietnamese Catholic spirituality. The faithful contemplate fifteen events from the Passion of Jesus, from the Agony in the Garden to His death upon the Cross.

This devotion is commonly observed on Friday evenings or in the days leading up to the Sacred Paschal Triduum, helping the community enter more deeply into the mystery of the Cross with repentance and communion.

2.2. The Way of the Cross

The Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross) is the most common Lenten devotion, especially on Fridays, the day commemorating the Passion of the Lord.

In Vietnam, many parishes gather for communal Stations of the Cross on Friday afternoons or evenings, with the most solemn celebration taking place on Good Friday. Live reenactments are often organized during Holy Week, allowing the faithful to enter more vividly into the heart of the liturgy.

Meditating on the fourteen stations helps the faithful:
– Share in Christ’s suffering
– Reflect upon the crosses in their personal lives
– Look forward to the hope of the Resurrection

2.3. Retreats and the Sacrament of Reconciliation

In Vietnamese parishes, Lenten retreats are organized for various groups youth, mothers, fathers, and parish associations with invited priests offering spiritual reflections. This is an opportunity to step away from daily concerns, examine one’s conscience, and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). This practice is considered the most important preparation for celebrating Easter worthily.

Lenten retreats and opportunities for Confession are typically scheduled between the second and fifth weeks of Lent, depending on each parish’s pastoral calendar in Vietnam.

2.4. Fasting and Self-Denial

The spirit of fasting and self-denial extends throughout the 40 days of Lent as a consistent way of life. However, the Church specifically requires fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In addition, Fridays during Lent are fitting occasions for concrete acts of sacrifice.

On fasting days, the faithful are permitted one full meal and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal; eating between meals is not permitted. During abstinence, Catholics refrain from meat from warm-blooded animals (such as pork, beef, chicken, or duck). Fish, seafood, eggs, dairy products, vegetables, and simple meatless dishes are allowed.

2.5. Works of Charity

Beyond knowing when Lent 2026 begins and ends, the faithful are called to live out charity as the fruit of love. Rather than keeping blessings for oneself, Christians are invited to open their hearts to the poor, the sick, and the lonely through charitable missions or quiet acts of generosity. This is the most concrete way to witness the Gospel’s call to love.

3. Experiencing Lent for Pilgrims in Vietnam

For international visitors, experiencing Lent in Vietnam offers something truly distinctive in their pilgrimage journey:
– Peaceful rural churches illuminated by candlelight
– Solemn sacred hymns sung in Vietnamese
– Communal prayers reflecting deep faith and unity
– A spiritual atmosphere shaped by both Catholic tradition and Vietnamese culture
– The daily life of Vietnamese Catholics expressed more vividly during this sacred season

The final week of Lent, known as Holy Week, is the most solemn period. The Good Friday liturgies are especially moving, as churches commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ. This is a time when large numbers of faithful gather to participate in the sacred rites.

At Vietnam Catholic Tours, we invite you to discover more than sightseeing. Traveling during Lent is an opportunity to experience the living faith of Vietnamese Catholics, participate in meaningful liturgical celebrations, and deepen your spiritual life within a new cultural context.

4. Frequently Asked Questions About Lent

4.1. How are Ash Wednesday and Easter determined?

The Catholic liturgical calendar is movable and based on the date of Easter Sunday. In 2026, Easter falls on April 5. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. From this date, Ash Wednesday is calculated approximately six and a half weeks earlier.

4.2. Why does Lent last 40 days?

The number 40 carries profound biblical symbolism:
– Moses remained on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights before receiving the Ten Commandments.
– The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.
– Most significantly, Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry.

4.3. What is the symbol of Lent?

The primary symbol of Lent is ashes. The ashes placed on the forehead signify repentance and the desire for purification and conversion.

4.4. What is the historical origin of Lent?

Lent did not appear immediately in the early Church but gradually developed around the fourth century. Initially, fasting regulations were very strict: only one evening meal was permitted, and meat and wine were entirely forbidden. Over time, the Church moderated these disciplines, allowing eggs, dairy products, and fish while preserving the essential spirit of penance. Popular devotional practices have helped make Lent more vibrant within families and parish communities.

4.5. Is it appropriate to go on pilgrimage during Lent?

Lent offers a quieter and more contemplative atmosphere compared to festive seasons. It is an ideal time for those seeking prayer, reflection, and an authentic experience of faith while traveling in Vietnam. You may visit major pilgrimage centers such as the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

Lent in Vietnam is not only a liturgical season, but also an opportunity to encounter the vibrant faith of a Catholic community rich in tradition. If you are seeking a sacred journey during Lent 2026, please contact Vietnam Catholic Tours to design a personalized pilgrimage experience in Vietnam.

Ash Wednesday 2026 at Phu Cam Cathedral, Hue (Source: Phu Cam Cathedral Media Office)

Thank you for reading this article. May you have a meaningful and hope-filled Lent 2026, and we look forward to accompanying you on your sacred pilgrimage journey in Vietnam.

Vietnam Catholic Tours