Quinquagesima Sunday: The Final Call Before Lent
Quinquagesima Sunday marks the final Sunday before Ash Wednesday in the traditional Roman calendar. Its name comes from the Latin quinquagesimus, meaning “fiftieth,” referring to its position roughly fifty days before Easter. Though no longer observed in the modern Ordinary Form calendar, it remains spiritually significant as the Church’s final preparation before entering Lent.The Gospel traditionally proclaimed on this day recounts Christ foretelling His Passion and healing the blind man near Jericho (Luke 18:31–43). The blind man’s plea — “Lord, that I may see” — becomes the spiritual cry of the faithful. Before the ashes are imposed and the fast begins, the Church invites us to examine our spiritual blindness and prepare intentionally for the discipline of Lent.Historically, Quinquagesima signaled the closing of festivities and the beginning of interior recollection. Violet vestments replace celebratory tones. The Alleluia is already silenced. The faithful are reminded that conversion requires clarity, humility, and resolve.This Sunday is not yet Lent — but it is the last warning bell before it.