This week, some young contributors, explore the meaning and spiritual significance of Quinquagesima (Shrove) Sunday. Together, they reflect children’s understanding of repentance, charity, and preparation for Lent, offering simple yet thoughtful insights into an important season of the Christian calendar. BETTY AMUKPO presents their essays:
‘The name derives from “fiftieth”, it usually falls about 50 days prior to Easter’
Quinquagesima Sunday is also known as Shrove Sunday. It is the final Sunday before Ash Wednesday, and the start of Lent in the traditional Western Christian calendar. The name derives from Latin, meaning “fiftieth,” because it usually falls about 50 days prior to Easter. This day signals the beginning of pre-Lenten festivities (Shrovetide) before the period of fasting, with a focus on charity, inspired by 1 Corinthians 13 in Catholic liturgy.
• Francis Umennadi
‘It is the Sunday heralding the onset of Lent’
Quinquagesima Sunday, or Shrove Sunday, is the Sunday leading up to Ash Wednesday, heralding the onset of Lent. This period serves as a time for introspection and readiness. The term “Quinquagesima” is derived from the Latin word for “fiftieth,” signifying it occurs approximately 50 days before Easter. In Luke 18:31–43, Jesus predicts His suffering and underscores the importance of repentance, urging us to ready our hearts. Reference: Luke 18:31–43
• Arnold Akalezi
‘The reason for Shrove Sunday could be found in 1 John 1:9’
Shrove Sunday is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and Lent. It focuses on confession, repentance, and preparing for the Lenten fast by using up rich foods. The reason for Shrove Sunday could be found in 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
• Eyinade Gideon
‘It is Preparation Sunday, a time to examine our hearts’
It is the last Sunday before Lent, just before Ash Wednesday. It is Preparation Sunday, a time to examine our hearts, repent, and get ready for the fasting and discipline of Lent. In Luke 18:31–43, Jesus foretells His suffering, death, and resurrection, and heals the blind man.
• Laura Okorafor
‘Traditionally, it highlights Christ’s invitation to conversion’
Quinquagesima, meaning “fiftieth,” is the Sunday that precedes Ash Wednesday, falling approximately 50 days before Easter. It serves as a preparation for Lent, emphasising repentance and love for Christians. Traditionally, it highlights the importance of charity, as illustrated in St. Paul’s teachings on love (1 Corinthians 13:1–13) and Christ’s invitation to conversion (Luke 18:31–43). Additionally, it promotes self-reflection before the fasting of Lent (Joel 2:12).
• Blossom Akalezi
‘Quinquagesima gives direction to what our thoughts and intentions ought to be as we prepare for Lent’
Quinquagesima is the last Sunday before Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday with a call to repentance (Mark 1:15), and it gives direction to what our thoughts and intentions ought to be as we prepare to undertake the discipline of Lent—a desire to grow in Christian maturity, to understand with greater meaning what it means to belong to Christ, to be in Christ. We are all reminded that as Christians, as God’s followers and people, all of us are expected and called to be His holy people (1 Peter 1:15–16), to be examples and beacons of His light and truth in this world. This call is truly timely and right for us at this moment, just as we are about to enter into this holy season of Lent in preparation for the most solemn and joyful celebration of Holy Week and Easter.
• Marypeace Oche
‘It comes from the old word “shrive,” meaning to confess one’s sins’
Going Up to Jerusalem: Before we receive the ashes of Lent, the Church gives us one final Sunday of preparation known as Quinquagesima—a word meaning “fiftieth.” Falling exactly fifty days before Easter, this Sunday acts as a spiritual bridge between our ordinary lives and the solemn fast of Lent. Commonly called Shrove Sunday, it comes from the old word “shrive,” meaning to confess one’s sins. It is a day to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Matthew 3:3) by clearing our souls of the clutter that holds us back. This Sunday is pivotal. “See, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Luke 18:31). This isn’t just a physical walk; it is a journey towards the Sacrifice that saves us. To walk this path properly, the Church reminds us through St. Paul that our penance is useless without charity. We must clothe ourselves in “faith, hope, and love” (1 Corinthians 13:13), ensuring that our Lenten sacrifices are rooted in genuine care for others. As we prepare to enter the desert of Lent, let our prayer be that of the Psalmist: “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). By being “shriven” and refocusing on love, we turn Shrove Sunday into a true gateway to the Resurrection.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘It serves as a spiritual threshold for the penitential season ahead’
Quinquagesima, or Shrove Sunday, is a traditional Christian observance marking the Sunday before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. It serves as a spiritual threshold, preparing believers for the penitential season ahead. The Bible readings traditionally associated with Quinquagesima focus on love and sacrifice (1 Corinthians 13:1– 13). For our Lenten self-examination, Luke 18:31–43 urges believers to recognise Christ’s mission and their need for mercy. It’s a call for Christians to enter Lent with humility, love, and a desire for spiritual clarity, reminding them that true preparation for Easter begins in the heart.
• Dorcas Sobayo
‘This day is significant as it begins the pre-Lenten season’
Quinquagesima Sunday, also known as Shrove Sunday, is the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. It’s called “Quinquagesima,” meaning “fiftieth” in Latin, referring to the approximately 50 days before Easter. This day is significant as it begins the pre-Lenten season, focusing on spiritual preparation and reflection. The Bible reference for this period is Luke 18:31–43, the story of Jesus healing a blind man near Jericho, emphasising faith and spiritual sight.
• Awaki Barnabas
