February 2026: Ordinary Time and Preparation for Lent
- Altynai Maria Abaskan
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
February in the Roman Catholic Church is lived mostly within Ordinary Time. This season invites the faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ through daily prayer, attentive listening to Sacred Scripture, and faithful Christian living. At the same time, February gradually leads the Church toward the penitential season of Lent, which begins this year on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Traditionally dedicated to the Holy Family, the month of February directs our attention to the hidden life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph — a life marked by humility, obedience to God’s will, and quiet trust amid uncertainty. Their example reminds us that holiness grows through perseverance in ordinary duties and through love lived within family and community.
Pope Leo XIV’s Prayer Intention for February
For this month, Pope Leo XIV invites the entire Church to unite in prayer for children suffering from incurable diseases. This intention draws our attention to one of the most painful realities of human life — the suffering of innocent children and the heavy spiritual and emotional burden carried by their families.
By placing this intention before the faithful, the Holy Father calls the Church to imitate Christ, who welcomed children, showed compassion to the sick, and remained close to those who suffered. The prayer of the Church becomes a sign of solidarity, asking God to grant strength, comfort, dignity, and hope to these children and to all who care for them.
Ordinary Time: Faith Expressed Through Mercy
The Gospel readings of Ordinary Time reveal Christ’s public ministry — His teaching, healing, and merciful presence among the poor and vulnerable. In light of Pope Leo XIV’s intention, February encourages believers to live their faith through concrete acts of mercy: prayer for the sick, support for families in difficulty, and a spirit of compassion that reflects the love of Christ.
The Threshold of Lent
As the month progresses, the Church begins her preparation for Lent. On Ash Wednesday, the faithful will receive ashes as a sign of repentance and conversion, recalling both human frailty and the call to renewed life in Christ. The suffering of children gives this penitential season a deeper meaning, reminding us that true conversion leads to greater love and responsibility for others.
A Call to Prayer and Reflection
February 2026 invites the faithful to unite ordinary daily faithfulness with deep compassion. Guided by the example of the Holy Family and united with the prayer intention of Pope Leo XIV, the Church is called to remain close to those who suffer and to entrust all human weakness to the mercy of God.
*All articles in our blog are written with the help of ChatGPT AI and reviewed by human editors.