Maronite Catholics in Lebanon begin season of penance on 'Ash Monday'

Published: 2004-02-19

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Maronite Catholics, like many other Eastern Catholics, get a jump-start on Lent, which begins on "Ash Monday." Father Makram Kozah, spiritual director at the Maronite patriarchal seminary in Lebanon, said the early start -- this year Feb. 23 -- gives Maronites "seven full weeks for Lent." "Thursday of the drunkards" precedes Ash Monday. Many Catholics enjoy a cocktail or arrack -- Lebanon's national liquor made from grapes -- with family and friends, but "Thursday of the drunkards" is typically considered the start of a feasting period before the Lenten fast. In previous generations when families were large, a lamb was slaughtered on that Thursday. This gave the family enough meat to enjoy throughout the weekend. Meat was then completely absent from the menu until Easter. Most Lebanese Maronites still take the Lenten fast seriously. Many do not eat meat or even fish throughout Lent.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .