The holy seasons of Lent and Ramadan

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is always the 40th day (minus Sundays) before Easter Sunday, which is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). The date of Ash Wednesday is always between February 4 and March 11.

The month of Ramadan, however, can take place at any point over the Islamic lunar calendar, which spans 354 days.

In 2026, Lent and Ramadan both will begin on February 18, a highly unusual occurrence.

The new bishop president of Pax Christi International, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan in the Philippines, recently issued a statement, “On the shared observance of Ramadan and the Lenten season 2026.”

Noting that both seasons begin on February 18, Bishop Bagaforo, chair of the Philippine bishops’ Commission on Inter-Religious Dialogue, wrote that “this shared beginning is a grace.”

“In these sacred seasons, Muslims and Christians enter a time of prayer, fasting, repentance, and generosity, Bishop Bagaforo wrote in his February 7 statement. “We turn our hearts to the Merciful. We learn again to see one another as brothers and sisters.

“Ramadan and Lent remind us that faith must transform the heart and shape our actions. Fasting opens our eyes to suffering and enlarges our compassion. Love of God is proven in love of neighbors, especially the poor and the forgotten.

“As Jesus teaches, what we do for the least, we do for God (Matthew 25:40). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) likewise taught that the best among us are those who do good for others.

“I therefore invite our Christian and Muslim communities, our interreligious dialogue desks, and our partners in civil society to pray together and to work together,” Bishop Bagaforo added. “Let us care for the poor. Let us protect creation. Let us educate for peace. Let us respond together to the wounds of our world. These are sacred tasks. These are works of peace.”