A renewed focus on Lenten penance: Pope Benedict vivifies the Lenten penance

Historically, lent is the time, in the journay of the catechumen, of repentence in preparation for Baptism at Easter. In solidarity, all the baptised also prepare, through repentance, for the renewal of their baptismal promises toward Easter renewal.1 This dimension of renunciation has remained integral to Lent, to the present day.