Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, the last day of Ordinary Time before the Church enters the season of Lent. The word shrove comes from the old English word shrive, which means to confess one’s sins and receive absolution. Traditionally, it was a day when Christians prepared their hearts for Lent through repentance, confession, and spiritual renewal. In many places it is also known as Pancake Tuesday or Mardi Gras. The festive element developed because people used up rich foods like eggs, butter, and sugar before the fasting discipline of Lent began. But beneath the customs, the deeper meaning is spiritual preparation. The Spiritual Meaning Shrove Tuesday invites the faithful to pause and examine their lives before entering the penitential season of Lent. It is like standing at the door of the desert. The Church gently asks each believer Are you ready to return to the Lord Are you ready to begin again It is a day that reminds us that Lent is...