August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and marks the beginning of an unofficial period of penance known amongst members of the Franciscan Order as “St. Michael’s Lent.” You can find out more about it here: St. Michael’s Lent.

Almost annually in August I blog about a “Second Lent,” this year due to lapses I nearly forgot. Typically, I do this prior to August 6th, when the Feast of the Transfiguration begins another “unofficial period of penance” that ends on the Feast of the Triumph of the Cross on September 14th; and then a reminder for when St. Michael’s Lent begins. (It ends on September 29th, the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel.)

This is one of the thigs about Catholicism I love: so many opportunities for conversion, repentance and growing closer to the Lord. If you live in the northern hemisphere, these “Lenten” periods in August may even be harder to accomplish as Summer is not very penitential. A time for vacations, relaxing as much as possible and other “fun” things.

Maybe that’s a reason these periods exist.

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My two other books are still available! "The Stations of the Cross for Alcoholics" and "The Recovery Rosary: Reflections for Alcoholics and Addicts" (Thank you!!)