40 Days. 40 Pounds. A Lifetime of Change.
Transform Your Lenten Sacrifice Into Hope
Since January, poor children from across Tanzania, Guatemala, Honduras, and Brazil have experienced 40 life-changing days at the Sisters of Mary schools.
40 days of three meals every day
40 days of their own bed
40 days of clothing and shoes that fit them
40 days of education
For the first time in their lives, these children know what it means to go to bed without hunger, to wake up with hope, and to dream of a future beyond survival.
Your 40-Day Journey of Giving
This Lent, what if your sacrifice became their transformation? Many of us give up something during these 40 days -coffee, chocolate, dining out, or streaming services. But imagine taking what you would have spent and turning it into something extraordinary for a child in desperate need.
Just £1 a day. £40 for Lent. A lifetime of possibility.
Your Gift Provides:
- Nutritious meals that fuel learning and growth
- Educational materials that open doors to opportunity
- Safe shelter where dreams can flourish
- Healthcare that keeps children healthy and thriving
- Vocational training that leads to dignified employment
The Power of 40 Days
For these children, 40 days has already changed everything. No more hunger. No more struggle to reach school. No more worry about whether they can finish their education. Just peace of mind and security, knowing their futures are in safe hands.
Your Lenten gift ensures that more children will experience their own 40 life-changing days—and the joy of Easter celebration ahead.
From Lent to Easter: A Journey of Transformation
Just as Lent leads to the joy of Easter, your sacrifice during these 40 days will culminate in a moment of pure celebration for the children.
At Easter, nearly 21,000 children across our schools will receive a special Easter gift:
- Education supplies to support their learning
- New clothing and shoes
- Personal hygiene products
- Vitamins for their health
Your Lenten giving helps make this possible – ensuring that every child experiences the hope and renewal that Easter represents.
Lenten Message from Sr Elena
Dear Friends,
Once again, we enter the holy season of Lent – a time when we are profoundly reminded of Christ’s boundless love for each of us, as He offered His very life for our salvation. With grateful hearts, we open ourselves to His mercy, deepening our prayer, humbling our selfish desires, and sharing our blessings with those who have little.
These forty days are not merely a passage of time, but a sacred journey – a chance to draw closer to Christ and to carry one another’s burdens before the Lord. Your generosity and sacrifices are more than gifts; they are seeds of hope planted in the lives of the children entrusted to our care, children who might otherwise be forgotten. Because of you, our mission continues to flourish.
In a world torn by violence and suffering, let us stand together as instruments of peace and joy. Now more than ever, we are called to unite ourselves with God and to show compassion to one another, living out His command: “Love one another, as I have loved you.” This is the very heart of our preparation for His glorious Resurrection.
May this Lenten journey bring us all peace, renewal, and the joy of knowing that all we do, we do for Christ Jesus.
Sister Elena Belarmino, Trustee and Chair, Superior General of the Sisters of Mary
When is Lent? +
In 2026 Lent starts on Wednesday 18th February to Thursday 2nd April
What is Lent? +
Lent is a 40 day solemn Christian season of prayer and fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday and finishes on Maundy Thursday
Why is Lent 40 Days +
Lent is 40 days to commemorate Jesus’ 40 days of fasting in the wilderness before his trial and crucifixtion on Good Friday.
What does Lenten mean? +
Lenten is the adjective form of “Lent” and is used to describe anything as a part of this season, for example “Lenten season”
What is Lenten fasting? +
Lenten fasting is a Christian tradition where Christians give up or fast something during the 40 day Lent period. Traditionally this would be meat, eggs, and dairy but in modern Lent, people often choose to give up comforts like sweets or social media as a way to commemorate and remember Jesus’ fasting and sacrifice.
Is Lent a word? +
“Lent” comes from Old English “Lencten” meaning “spring season” or “lengthening of days”.
Is Lent only Catholic? +
Lent is observed by both Catholics and Protestants. Lent and Ash Wednesday have been historically celebrated by Catholics but many Protestants still celebrate today
What do people do for Lent? +
People choose to observe lent by fasting or giving up a particular food or activity. Giving to charity is also traditionally practised as a lenten observance.