Lent 2026
“Dear friends, let us ask for the grace of a Lent that leads us to greater attentiveness to God and to the least among us. Let us ask for the strength that comes from the type of fasting that also extends to our use of language, so that hurtful words may diminish and give way to a greater space for the voice of others.” ― Pope Leo XIV, Feb. 5, 2026, courtesy of Libreria Editrice VaticanaMessage from the Archbishop
Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal shares his message for this year’s Lenten season.
2026 Lenten Message from Pope Leo XIV
Listening That Converts, Fasting That Frees
“Every path towards conversion begins by allowing the word of God to touch our hearts and welcoming it with a docile spirit. […] The Lenten journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our commitment to following Christ.
If Lent is a time for listening, fasting is a concrete way to prepare ourselves to receive the word of God. […] It helps us to identify and order our ‘appetites,’ keeping our hunger and thirst for justice alive and freeing us from complacency.
Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves. Instead, let us strive to measure our words and cultivate kindness and respect.”
– Pope Leo XIV, 5 February 2026, Libreria Editrice Vaticana
HOLY WEEK 2026
Mary Queen of the World Cathedral
Please note: All liturgies are celebrated in French unless otherwise indicated.
Lenten Retreat 2026
Theme: “CRUCIFIED.”
Preaching, confessions, solemn Vespers, Rosary, and Masses
- Friday, March 13, beginning at 6:00 p.m. (throughout the night)
- Saturday, March 14, all day
- Sunday, March 15, all day, until 6:00 p.m.
Mass of Anticipation for Palm Sunday
Saturday, March 28
Mass of Anticipation for Palm Sunday, animated with young people
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday — March 29
- 8:00 a.m. — Salt + Light Sunday Mass (in English)
- 9:30 a.m. — Sunday Mass with Sel + Lumière
- 11:00 a.m. — Palm Sunday Mass
(with the Montreal Polyphonic Choir) - 12:30 p.m. — Palm Sunday Mass
- 5:00 p.m. — Palm Sunday Mass
(with the Ex Cathedra Youth Choir)
Chrism Mass
Chrism Mass (will be celebrated in French and English, with the liturgy primarily in French)
Wednesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. — Chrism Mass with the blessing of the holy oils, presided over by Archbishop Christian Lépine
Holy/Maundy Thursday
Holy/Maundy Thursday — April 2
- 8:00 p.m. — Mass of the Lord’s Supper
- 9:30 p.m. — Silent Adoration, until midnight
Good Friday
Good Friday — April 3
- 3:00 p.m. — Solemn Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion
- 5:00 p.m. — Solemn Prayer of the Via Crucis / Way of the Cross
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday — April 4
- 8:00 p.m. — Easter Vigil
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday — April 5
- 8:00 a.m. — Salt + Light Sunday Mass (in English)
- 9:30 a.m. — Sunday Mass with Sel + Lumière
- 11:00 a.m. — Easter Sunday Mass
(with the Montreal Polyphonic Choir) - 12:30 p.m. — Easter Sunday Mass
- 5:00 p.m. — Easter Sunday Mass
(with the Ex Cathedra Youth Choir)
Way of the Cross
Every Friday of Lent at 5:30 p.m. (following the 5:00 p.m. Mass)
Videos
Walking together during the Lenten Season
The Conference of Canadian Catholic Bishops invites us to watch a series of videos to assist us in better experiencing this time of transformation as we journey towards Easter.
Share Lent Campaign — Development and Peace
Share Lent 2026 Invites Action for Justice and Solidarity
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada launches On Track for Justice this Lent, calling people of faith nationwide to deepen solidarity through prayer and action, while supporting partners in the Global South working for human rights, ecological justice, and dignified livelihoods.
THE THREE PILLARS OF LENT
FASTING
During this time of conversion, we are encouraged to fast. Through this action, we recognize the importance of God in our lives by experiencing hunger and thirst for his Word.
It is also a time to make sacrifices that will bring us nearer to God. The following are some ideas that may assist us in fasting more easily:
- Abstaining from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays, including Good Friday
- Abstaining from dessert
- Limiting the time spent on social media
- Refraining from criticism of others
PRAYER
Prayer strengthens our faith and our relationship with God. In prayer, we allow God into our hearts and let Him act in us.
We are encouraged to pray in the community and for the community. The following are some ideas to facilitate our prayer time and make it more enjoyable:
- Meditation or listening to the Gospel of the Day
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
- Listening to Catholic music
- Praying for a sick person
ALMSGIVING
While sharing with those around us and those who have less than we do, we sow hope in the world. The following are some ideas for sharing:
- Going on a walk with family
- Doing volunteer work once a week
- Helping a person living with reduced mobility
- Making a donation to the Share Lent Campaign