Definition

Quadrigesima Sunday (noun) The first Sunday in the Christian season of Lent. The name originates from the Latin word "quadragesima," meaning "fortieth," as it falls approximately forty days before Easter Sunday, not counting Sundays. It marks the formal beginning of the Lenten period of fasting, prayer, and penance.

Usage

"Quadrigesima Sunday" is a formal, ecclesiastical term used primarily in liturgical Christian contexts, especially within Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions. It is often used interchangeably with "First Sunday in Lent."

Examples

• The congregation gathered for a special service on Quadrigesima Sunday.
• On Quadrigesima Sunday, the priest blessed and distributed ashes in many churches.
• The readings for Quadrigesima Sunday focus on themes of temptation and repentance.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Liturgical Context: The term is used in historical texts, liturgical calendars, and formal church announcements to specify the day with precision.
  • The papal bull was issued on Quadrigesima Sunday, 1302.

Variants and Related Words

• First Sunday in Lent: The more common modern equivalent.
• Quadragesima: The Latin root and the name for the entire Lenten season in some historical contexts.
• Ash Wednesday: The day that marks the start of Lent, occurring four days before Quadrigesima Sunday in most Western churches.

Synonyms

• First Sunday of Lent
• Lent I (used in some liturgical calendars)

Notes

This is a proper noun and is typically capitalized. While "Quadrigesima Sunday" is the specific term, in everyday conversation, most people refer to it as the "First Sunday in Lent."

Noun

1. the first Sunday in Lent