Meaning of Lent and why Catholics can’t Say Hallelujah During Lent

Why Catholics can’t say Hallelujah during Lent has been a question that a lot of people have asked. Some members of the church regard it as some sort of taboo. But is saying the Hallelujah bad? No, it is not. Hallelujah is said to rejoice in the Lord and give Him glory. The Catholic church finds nothing wrong with saying or singing it any other time. But just not during Lent.
Okay. To give a a bit of context to this, there was a conversation on Facebook few days back, where someone frowned at Catholics who participated in the Hallelujah Challenge. Stay with me…

Hallelujah Challenge is a midnight praise and prayer programme organised online by the popular gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey. It usually holds twice a year and accompanied by amazing miracles and testimonies willfully shared by attendants.  Well, Catholics who joined this online programme were called lukewarm and described as people who know nothing about the faith.

If you did not already know this fact, Catholics really can’t say Hallelujah during their Lenten period and we asked to know why. But first, what is even the meaning of Lent?

What is Lent and How Long does Lent Last for?

Lent is a 40-day season during which many Christians reflect on the events before and including the death of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings serve as the cornerstone of Christianity. Of all Christians, the most Christians with this practice are Catholic faithfuls.

The 40-day season is known as Lent, which comes from an old English term meaning ‘lengthen’. This is due to the time of year when it occurs, as the days begin to grow longer as we approach summer. Lent starts after Ash Wednesday and ends on the Saturday after Good Friday known as Holy Saturday. This year’s Ash Wednesday fell on the same day as Valentine’s Day just last week (14-02-2024).

Practices of Lent

During Lent, there are certain ways a catholic devout carries himself or herself and they will be outlined in this article. You see, devoted people use this period to seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture. They serve by giving alms, and cultivate self-control by fasting. It is a time when individuals recognise that they are invited not just to refrain from indulgences during Lent, but also to a genuine inner conversion of heart as they attempt to follow Christ’s will more honestly. They also remember the waters of baptism, in which they were immersed in Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began a new life in Christ.

Many people are aware of the tradition of refraining from meat on Fridays during Lent, but worshippers are also encouraged to practise self-discipline and fast in various ways during the season. Consider the purpose and roots of the Lenten fasting practice during this reflection. Furthermore, giving charity is one way to share God’s gifts—not just money, but also one’s time and abilities. According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2446, St. John Chrysostom reminds that, “Not allowing the poor to share in our goods is stealing from them and depriving them of life.”

What not to Do or Say During Lent

Apart from the fact that Catholics can’t say Hallelujah during Lent, there are other things they can’t do within the Lenten period which are outlined below. Most of them are according to National Catholic Register (https://www.ncregister.com/blog/6-liturgical-no-nos-during-lent) 

No instrumental music without singing during Lent

In some churches, instrumental music is employed during Mass at various times. Even when no one is singing, a passage will be played on an organ or other instrument or instruments.
However, this is not the case during Lent. The exceptions are Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts.

The Gloria is not sung during Lent

The Gloria (“Glory to God in the highest”) is often sung or said shortly after Sunday Mass begins. But not on Lenten Sundays.
According to the General Instruction, the Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is sung or said on Sundays other than Advent and Lent, as well as Solemnities and Feasts, and at more solemn celebrations.

No flowers on the altar during Lent

Throughout the majority of the year, the altar is typically decked with flowers. But not in Lent. Flowers are not permitted to be placed on the altar during Lent, according to standard instructions. Exceptions include Laetare Sunday (the fourth Sunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts.

Emptying holy water fonts is not done during Lent

In recent years, several churches have removed the holy water from the holy water fonts during Lent. They’ve even filled them with sand in some situations. The goal, they say, is to communicate the sense that Lent is a period of spiritual dryness — a “desert” experience — preceding Easter, during which we refrain from utilising the sacramental of holy water. Despite its popularity in some areas, this practice is prohibited.

Crosses and images are not left bare throughout the period of Lent

In recent years, several parishes have covered or removed crosses and sculptures as soon as Lent began. However, this practice is only permissible beginning on the fifth Sunday of Lent, not prior.
According to the Roman Missal, the practice of covering crosses and icons throughout the church begins on the fifth Sunday. Crosses are covered until the end of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday, but images are covered until the start of the Easter Vigil. Note that the practice is optional (the phrase “may be observed” rather than “is to be observed”).

Why Catholics can’t say Hallelujah till after Lent

Hallelujah is the one word to never say during Lent. This is because the word comes from Hebrew and means “praise Yahweh.” Traditionally, it has been regarded as the primary expression of praise for the angelic choirs as they worship around the Throne of God in heaven. It is, therefore, a term of immense gladness, and using the Hallelujah during Mass is a way to participate in the angels’ adoration. It also serves as a reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven has already been established on earth in the form of the Church, and that Christian taking part in Mass is equivalent to participation in Heaven. 

During Lent, however, the focus of the church is on the Kingdom coming, not on the Kingdom already having come. The readings in the Masses for Lent and in the Liturgy of the Hours (the official daily prayer of the Catholic Church) focus heavily on the spiritual journey of Old Testament Israel toward the coming of Christ, and the salvation of mankind in His death on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday (Holy Spirit Parish: https://holyspiritchurch.org/why-no-alleluia-living-the-lit/).

Because the focus of Lent is grieving rather than joy, and the term “Hallelujah” means “praise the Lord,” abstaining from it during Lent emphasises its meaning. It helps the faithful understand the true meaning of the phrase “Hallelujah”. This practice encourages a more in-depth participation in the Lenten season.The return of the Hallelujah during Easter is often a triumphant event! The victory of Christ on the cross culminates on Easter Sunday when the Hallelujah can be proclaimed without restraint.

According to one quotation credited to John Paul II;

“We are the Easter people and Alleluia is our song.”