Lent is one of the most significant liturgical seasons for Catholics worldwide, characterized by reflection, penance, and charity. Traditionally, the Catholic Church defines Lent as lasting 40 days, although the calendar calculation yields 46 days. This discrepancy arises because Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on the evening of Holy Thursday. The Sundays during Lent are not counted in the 40-day period, as the Church commemorates Sundays as days of joy in recognition of the resurrection during Easter.

Father Tadeu Rocha explains that the number 40 has a profound significance in biblical theology, appearing in various moments throughout both the Old and New Testaments. This historical context adds weight to the 40-day duration of Lent, as it symbolizes a time of preparation and awaiting spiritual renewal. By excluding the six Sundays of Lent from the overall count, the Church creates a framework that encourages believers to engage deeply with both the physical and spiritual aspects of their faith.

In this way, Lent becomes a transformative period where the faithful are invited to reflect on their lives, engage in acts of charity, and seek a more profound relationship with God. The priest's explanation sheds light on how Lent not only serves as a ritual period but also as a vital time for personal growth and renewal within the Catholic tradition.