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40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent
If you're looking for a new Lenten experience, here are forty fresh ideas. Some will challenge you to deepen your prayer life; others will open your mind to new ways to serve others. Each of the forty ways includes a reflection to help you understand more about Lent and why it matters. You'll learn how to have a more creative experience of Lent. You'll discover positive, proactive ways to take action instead of the same old routine of giving something up. The result will be spiritual transformation and a closer walk with Christ—not only during Lent but throughout the year.
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via
- GenresNonfictionFaith
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
About the author
Marcellino D'Ambrosio
18 books27 followersRaised in Italian/Irish neighborhood in Providence, RI, Marcellino D’Ambrosio never thought about being anything else but Catholic. But like other Catholic teens, his faith was the last place he looked for fulfillment. Following in the footsteps of his parents, both professional performers in their single years, Marcellino set his sights on stardom, playing bass guitar in several popular rock bands by the time he was 16. At that time he encountered a group of Catholics whose Christian life was an exciting adventure, an adventure worth living for. So he laid his bass guitar aside and embarked on a road that led to a Ph.D. in historical theology from the Catholic University of America. His doctoral dissertation, written under the direction of the renowned Jesuit theologian, Avery Cardinal Dulles, focused on one of the theological lights of the Second Vatican Council, Henri Cardinal de Lubac, and his recovery of biblical interpretation of the Early Church fathers.
Though a specialist in the interpretation of scripture and tradition, Dr. D’Ambrosio’s teaching has covered a broad range of subjects from historical, dogmatic, and sacramental theology to evangelization, ecumenism, and Vatican II. Yet throughout his academic career, Dr. D’Ambrosio always remained deeply involved in pastoral work, especially teen evangelization and Hispanic ministry, assuring that his teaching remained relevant to the challenges of everyday life.
Dr. D’Ambrosio, the father of five and a business owner, brings to his teaching a practical, down-to-earth perspective that makes his words easy to understand and put into practice. Audio and video recordings of his popular teaching are internationally distributed. He often appears on the international Eternal Word Television Network is regularly heard on nationally syndicated radio shows such as "Catholic Answers Live." Dr. D'Ambrosio has been repeatedly called upon to serve as an expert commentator on religious and moral issues for Fox News Geraldo Rivera, At Large and Bill O'Reilly's radio show.
In 2001 Dr. D’Ambrosio left his position at the University of Dallas to develop the work of Crossroads Productions, the apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelization that he co-founded twenty years ago, and to more directly oversee the growth of Wellness Opportunities Group a company dedicated to helping people improve the quality of their lives physically, mentally, and financially. He, his wife Susan, and their five children, reside just outside of Dallas, TX.
Though a specialist in the interpretation of scripture and tradition, Dr. D’Ambrosio’s teaching has covered a broad range of subjects from historical, dogmatic, and sacramental theology to evangelization, ecumenism, and Vatican II. Yet throughout his academic career, Dr. D’Ambrosio always remained deeply involved in pastoral work, especially teen evangelization and Hispanic ministry, assuring that his teaching remained relevant to the challenges of everyday life.
Dr. D’Ambrosio, the father of five and a business owner, brings to his teaching a practical, down-to-earth perspective that makes his words easy to understand and put into practice. Audio and video recordings of his popular teaching are internationally distributed. He often appears on the international Eternal Word Television Network is regularly heard on nationally syndicated radio shows such as "Catholic Answers Live." Dr. D'Ambrosio has been repeatedly called upon to serve as an expert commentator on religious and moral issues for Fox News Geraldo Rivera, At Large and Bill O'Reilly's radio show.
In 2001 Dr. D’Ambrosio left his position at the University of Dallas to develop the work of Crossroads Productions, the apostolate of Catholic renewal and evangelization that he co-founded twenty years ago, and to more directly oversee the growth of Wellness Opportunities Group a company dedicated to helping people improve the quality of their lives physically, mentally, and financially. He, his wife Susan, and their five children, reside just outside of Dallas, TX.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 17, 2015
Once again Lent is coming around again in it’s a annual cycle. Yet with Easter being a movable feast we still are always a bit surprised by the start of Lent regardless of whether Ash Wednesday starts earlier or later than average. Lent is almost something you can look forward to. We know we need that spring cleaning of the soul and that we have some work to do to get our spiritual lives untangled. Still if we think of an upcoming Lent at all we also know that we want to make good use of it.
Yet once Lent starts we can hardly wait for it to be over. The saying “no plan survives contact with the enemy” is often true of Lenten plans and we do have an enemy that would disrupt any plan towards growing in holiness. So exactly how do you maintain a good Lent? No doubt there are plenty of strategies to do so that we learn to adapt to our own personalities.
I’ve always found spiritual reading greatly helpful in this, but our moving inward must help us also move outward in the world. Fasting is very useful, but it also has to move into the dimensions of the spiritual works.
So I was presently surprised to find an excellent book with all this in mind. Marcellino D’ambrosio sent me a couple of his recent books including 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent. While there is a treasury of books with daily meditations during Lent, this book has that solid core while also being filled with practical suggestions. These suggestions help with concrete examples of how to live the faith. To externalize what you are learning. To take us out of ourselves.
His personable style brings what he has learned in his own life through examples easy to relate to. This book is something to help challenge you through Lent and to make of Lent what you always intended but still fell away like a New Year’s resolution. Two to three pages a day makes reading this through Lent quite doable.
I especially liked this points at the end of the book regarding Easter and the Easter season. Lent gets all the attention, yet it is the joy of Easter we are striving towards
After reading it I now look at the reviews and see that my own opinion was matched by many others whose opinions I trust, including my previous bishop.
Marcellino D’Ambrosio offers the neophyte as well as the seasoned Catholic a potpourri of Lenten reflections that are as engaging as they are practical. If you want to fall more in love with Jesus, then nourish yourself with 40 Days, 40 Ways!
— Victor Galeone, Bishop Emeritus of St. Augustine, Florida
Yet once Lent starts we can hardly wait for it to be over. The saying “no plan survives contact with the enemy” is often true of Lenten plans and we do have an enemy that would disrupt any plan towards growing in holiness. So exactly how do you maintain a good Lent? No doubt there are plenty of strategies to do so that we learn to adapt to our own personalities.
I’ve always found spiritual reading greatly helpful in this, but our moving inward must help us also move outward in the world. Fasting is very useful, but it also has to move into the dimensions of the spiritual works.
So I was presently surprised to find an excellent book with all this in mind. Marcellino D’ambrosio sent me a couple of his recent books including 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent. While there is a treasury of books with daily meditations during Lent, this book has that solid core while also being filled with practical suggestions. These suggestions help with concrete examples of how to live the faith. To externalize what you are learning. To take us out of ourselves.
His personable style brings what he has learned in his own life through examples easy to relate to. This book is something to help challenge you through Lent and to make of Lent what you always intended but still fell away like a New Year’s resolution. Two to three pages a day makes reading this through Lent quite doable.
I especially liked this points at the end of the book regarding Easter and the Easter season. Lent gets all the attention, yet it is the joy of Easter we are striving towards
After reading it I now look at the reviews and see that my own opinion was matched by many others whose opinions I trust, including my previous bishop.
Marcellino D’Ambrosio offers the neophyte as well as the seasoned Catholic a potpourri of Lenten reflections that are as engaging as they are practical. If you want to fall more in love with Jesus, then nourish yourself with 40 Days, 40 Ways!
— Victor Galeone, Bishop Emeritus of St. Augustine, Florida
February 2, 2015
I’ll admit it: I was DREADING reading this book. I mean: COME ON. It’s just on the cusp of FALL. I DO NOT WANT TO THINK ABOUT LENT.
And yet, this book was exactly what I needed. I found myself appreciating that I was reading it now, because when Lent rolls around, I’m going to have this book beside me for round 2. (And I’m not a big re-reader of books.) What D’Ambrosio has crafted is part treasury, part practical toolbox, and part kick in the pants. He’s tapped into his experience as a normal guy and his expertise as a theologian-type, wrapped it up into a book that’s both digestible and good reading, and then shared it with all of us.
This book was a gift to read, and I plan to craft a thank you note. I fail at Lent pretty much every year (and I guess that’s how I know I’m succeeding, to some extent), and this year, I plan to fail with this book in hand. And then I’ll get back up, dust myself off again, and try again.
Because this book makes me want to. It makes me want to try. And then try again. And then, because I know I’ll have to, try yet again.
What a book. Go on. Consider it my gift to you: a book you can have in hand for Lent that will impact the entire year.
And yet, this book was exactly what I needed. I found myself appreciating that I was reading it now, because when Lent rolls around, I’m going to have this book beside me for round 2. (And I’m not a big re-reader of books.) What D’Ambrosio has crafted is part treasury, part practical toolbox, and part kick in the pants. He’s tapped into his experience as a normal guy and his expertise as a theologian-type, wrapped it up into a book that’s both digestible and good reading, and then shared it with all of us.
This book was a gift to read, and I plan to craft a thank you note. I fail at Lent pretty much every year (and I guess that’s how I know I’m succeeding, to some extent), and this year, I plan to fail with this book in hand. And then I’ll get back up, dust myself off again, and try again.
Because this book makes me want to. It makes me want to try. And then try again. And then, because I know I’ll have to, try yet again.
What a book. Go on. Consider it my gift to you: a book you can have in hand for Lent that will impact the entire year.
May 27, 2015
40 Days, 40 Ways is a breath of fresh, joy-filled air and a bountiful resource for the Lenten season. Filled with innovative and thoughtful devotional practices to help you journey closer to Christ, this book offers the potential to turn any forty-day period into a retreat opportunity. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to spend the Lenten season in a fulfilling way.
February 4, 2015
40 Days, 40 Ways is Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio's latest book. You might remember his previous one, which I also reviewed, called When the Church was Young! In his latest book, he attempts to get us to look at Lent in a new way. Most people dread Lent, and just try and find something to give up to satisfy the requirement and have their "card punched." Dr. D'Ambrosio (aka Dr. Italy) instead provides us with devotions, prayers, or other tasks we can do. He tries to make Lent more about what we can do and not what we cannot do.
Each day is about two to three pages long, and starts with a suggestion on what to do, not just this day in Lent, but the whole season. Some of the tasks are "easy," like pledging to say the "Our Father" three times a day. Other tasks require more effort like going on a contemplative retreat during Lent. After the task, we are then given a long reflection on the specific task for the day. For example, on the day that tells us to pledge to say the "Our Father," Dr. Italy discusses the word father, its meaning, and how personal it is that we can call God our Father. In addition to covering the 40 days of Lent, there are reflections (but no task to complete) for each Sunday during Lent, as well as Easter Sunday. There is also a helpful section of resources at the end, which includes prayers, devotions, books to read, etc.
I found this book to be a refreshing change of perspective on Lent. Be sure to read the Preface, I didn't my first time through and thought the book was a bit overwhelming. However, reading the Preface he encourages you to read through the Table of Contents, and pick a few tasks you can accomplish this Lent. A lot of the tasks are easy enough to accomplish, but if you try and do too many, you might find yourself burnt out trying to change too much, too quickly. I think I will re-read this book during Lent and try and incorporate some of the ideas and maybe gradually over several Lents, I will have accomplished everything in this book. If you're looking for a book that makes you think and re-evaluate what Lent is about (growth and doing stuff, not just giving stuff up), then pick up a copy of Dr. Italy's latest book.
Each day is about two to three pages long, and starts with a suggestion on what to do, not just this day in Lent, but the whole season. Some of the tasks are "easy," like pledging to say the "Our Father" three times a day. Other tasks require more effort like going on a contemplative retreat during Lent. After the task, we are then given a long reflection on the specific task for the day. For example, on the day that tells us to pledge to say the "Our Father," Dr. Italy discusses the word father, its meaning, and how personal it is that we can call God our Father. In addition to covering the 40 days of Lent, there are reflections (but no task to complete) for each Sunday during Lent, as well as Easter Sunday. There is also a helpful section of resources at the end, which includes prayers, devotions, books to read, etc.
I found this book to be a refreshing change of perspective on Lent. Be sure to read the Preface, I didn't my first time through and thought the book was a bit overwhelming. However, reading the Preface he encourages you to read through the Table of Contents, and pick a few tasks you can accomplish this Lent. A lot of the tasks are easy enough to accomplish, but if you try and do too many, you might find yourself burnt out trying to change too much, too quickly. I think I will re-read this book during Lent and try and incorporate some of the ideas and maybe gradually over several Lents, I will have accomplished everything in this book. If you're looking for a book that makes you think and re-evaluate what Lent is about (growth and doing stuff, not just giving stuff up), then pick up a copy of Dr. Italy's latest book.
February 2, 2015
So often we find ourselves half-way through Lent before we figure out what we are doing, and then fall back on the same old "giving something up." This book was designed to make sure that this Lent will not only be different, but the best Lent ever. It explains the meaning of things we do but probably don't quite know why (like the sign of the cross), why Lent has 40 days and more. But it also provides practical and new suggestions on how to combine the traditional exercise groups of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a way both exciting and life-changing.
February 4, 2015
Fabulous read that offers life transforming, yet doable, daily challenges to help you get the most out of Lent. This book actually has me looking forward to Lent—I am going to begin each day throughout the 40 days of Lent with a daily reflection from "40 Days, 40 Ways"... and a cup of coffee. I believe my family will be thanking Marcellino for giving me a way to grow in holiness this Lent that doesn't involve giving up my morning coffee!
February 2, 2015
This chapter-a-day volume features a daily penitential or devotional practice. But that’s just the beginning of what Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio offers the reader each day. The meat of each chapter is a reflection or meditation that helps Catholics understand how to live the faith in concrete ways.
March 27, 2016
More than just a reflection, there was a great deal of learning as I read. Many nights I read out loud to my husband who is non-Catholic and he enjoyed the book and learning more.
April 4, 2018
I found this book by D'Ambrosio one of the better Lenten reflection pieces I've picked up over the years. I hope to remember to use it again in the future. Each day is begun with a short prayer suggestion or practice that one might try if the idea fits one's needs. Following this is a 2 page reflection continuing the theme of the prayer suggestion, or pertinent to the day's scripture readings, or to the church calendar.
The writing style is neither difficult nor childish, but thoughtful. As in all books of this type, some days add more to one's experience than others. After the Easter Sunday reflection, there is a short list of suggestions, sources of further prayer, and selected movie and book ideas.
I recommend this highly for your Lenten experience.
The writing style is neither difficult nor childish, but thoughtful. As in all books of this type, some days add more to one's experience than others. After the Easter Sunday reflection, there is a short list of suggestions, sources of further prayer, and selected movie and book ideas.
I recommend this highly for your Lenten experience.
April 20, 2018
Great Lenten guide
I greatly enjoyed this book! It was a great Lenten guide as it kept me on track spiritually throughout the Lenten season. I highly recommend it. I will use it again next year!
I greatly enjoyed this book! It was a great Lenten guide as it kept me on track spiritually throughout the Lenten season. I highly recommend it. I will use it again next year!
September 13, 2019
Not just for Lent
This books contains suggestions for each of the 40 days of Lent, but they can be used year round to strengthen faith and make you meditate about your place in the world.
This books contains suggestions for each of the 40 days of Lent, but they can be used year round to strengthen faith and make you meditate about your place in the world.
April 10, 2023
I wish that I could say that I liked the book or that it inspired me. Most of the suggestions were things that I had heard before. Very traditional Catholic things. It was not a new way to look at Lent for me.
April 1, 2018
I loved this book! True to Catholic teaching, appropriately deep and equally relevant to today's Christian reality.
April 1, 2018
Great Lenten read! Highly recommend!
January 10, 2021
Good book for thought.
April 1, 2016
Every year I pick a few resources for both lent and Advent. This one ended up recommended to me based on other purchases. I had never heard of the author before or at least not that I recall specifically. I am so thankful I took a chance on this one. Even before I finished this 40 day journey I picked up another of his books to add to my to be read pile. In some ways Lenten devotionals could be read any time of the year, as a personal retreat, and to be honest that could be even more so stated for this volume. So pick this up for Lent or for a personal mini-retreat any time throughout the year.
There were a number of thinks that struck me about this book compared to many other Lenten devotions. First many devotionals fallow set formats, a bible or saintly quote, a meditation a prayer and or an action. And usually they follow a similar format for each of the days, same style and length. This book has a great deal of variety in the length of each days' readings. Also for each Sunday there is at least a full page for the Sunday and also a specific devotion based on the day so we actually get 47 different readings.
Very early in the book speaking about service Marcellino states: "It means serving. Till it hurts. Even unto death." It really caught my attention. And may people go an extra mile during lent or advent but how many let it drop off through ordinary time? We should take the heightened service from lent and be intentional about carrying it through the year.
Later speaking about prayer he says "But Scripture also tells us what to ask for. And there is the rub. We are often wrong about what to ask for, because we misidentify what will really make us happy. God knows us better than we know ourselves, since he created us. And he loves us more than we love ourselves, because he is our Father." Through the 40 days of this book we can find a clearer focus for prayer, we can allow Marcellino to guide us deeper into prayer, into service and into living the authentic Christian life.
Another great reminder from this book was the balance between mind, body and spirit. He says: "We need to get honest with ourselves. Are we most intent on things below or on things above? (see Colossians 3:2). We should be passionate about many things below-but is our zeal for health, love, kids, education, a job, and financial security truly a function of our zeal for loving God and doing his will? Where do we seek our ultimate satisfaction and security? In these temporal things (even people) that pass away, or in God who is forever? What do we look forward to more-our next promotion or heaven? The great Catholic tradition of a nightly examination of conscience helps us ask such questions regularly and keeps us from getting off track." This book will help you find that balance and through the balance become the best version of yourself. And through being the best version of yourself you will live and server in a more fruitful way.
This was an excellent read. I know I will reread it again and can heartily state that anyone who reads this book with an open heart will be challenged and will be transformed. So give it a try you will not be disappointed!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
There were a number of thinks that struck me about this book compared to many other Lenten devotions. First many devotionals fallow set formats, a bible or saintly quote, a meditation a prayer and or an action. And usually they follow a similar format for each of the days, same style and length. This book has a great deal of variety in the length of each days' readings. Also for each Sunday there is at least a full page for the Sunday and also a specific devotion based on the day so we actually get 47 different readings.
Very early in the book speaking about service Marcellino states: "It means serving. Till it hurts. Even unto death." It really caught my attention. And may people go an extra mile during lent or advent but how many let it drop off through ordinary time? We should take the heightened service from lent and be intentional about carrying it through the year.
Later speaking about prayer he says "But Scripture also tells us what to ask for. And there is the rub. We are often wrong about what to ask for, because we misidentify what will really make us happy. God knows us better than we know ourselves, since he created us. And he loves us more than we love ourselves, because he is our Father." Through the 40 days of this book we can find a clearer focus for prayer, we can allow Marcellino to guide us deeper into prayer, into service and into living the authentic Christian life.
Another great reminder from this book was the balance between mind, body and spirit. He says: "We need to get honest with ourselves. Are we most intent on things below or on things above? (see Colossians 3:2). We should be passionate about many things below-but is our zeal for health, love, kids, education, a job, and financial security truly a function of our zeal for loving God and doing his will? Where do we seek our ultimate satisfaction and security? In these temporal things (even people) that pass away, or in God who is forever? What do we look forward to more-our next promotion or heaven? The great Catholic tradition of a nightly examination of conscience helps us ask such questions regularly and keeps us from getting off track." This book will help you find that balance and through the balance become the best version of yourself. And through being the best version of yourself you will live and server in a more fruitful way.
This was an excellent read. I know I will reread it again and can heartily state that anyone who reads this book with an open heart will be challenged and will be transformed. So give it a try you will not be disappointed!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
February 11, 2015
In 40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent, Marcellino D’Ambrosio offers 40 Lenten practices, many of which would never have occurred to me. Some of his suggestions are committing to daily prayer, examining your media consumption, praying the Our Father slowly and thoughtfully, initiating a family rosary, reaching out to the least popular person you know, spending time with the Lord in Eucharistic adoration or devoting the first 10 minutes of your day to thanking God for the blessings He has given you. Each of the recommended practices is supplemented with a brief meditation and explanation. Every one of his suggestions is not only spiritually beneficial, but very doable. If you’re looking for a great book to help you get the most out of Lent, check out 40 Days, 40 Ways – A New Look At Lent by Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio. You won't be disappointed!
February 5, 2015
I have been fortunate to read some of Dr. D’Ambrosio’s books such as ‘Exploring the Catholic Church’ and ‘When the Church was Young’. I can truly say that the person I was before and after reading these books has changed. I have come out feeling refreshed and inspired to draw nearer towards Christ. After just starting 40 Days, 40 Ways, I have no doubt that this book will again refresh my ability to see Christ in a new way this Lenten season! This would make a great for gift for anyone!
April 7, 2015
This was the first time that I've used a devotional guide during the Lenten season. I thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to each day's reading and feel that it made a profound difference in my observance this year. In particular, I appreciated the suggestions about things to do - meaningful actions to take - that made the Lenten season truly come alive. I am so very grateful for the inspiration that led Dr. D'Ambrosio to write this for all of us.
November 16, 2015
I'm only giving this 2 stars in order to write this review. I haven't read the book yet. Just received it in the mail and I'm shocked at how small the print is! Not only is it a small font size (maybe an 8) but the font is very thin. I'm sure this was done to create white space on the page, but it is horrible for older persons to read. I'm not sure I can put this on the library shelves for our faith community... I'll get way too many complaints.
February 17, 2015
40 Days, 40 Ways: A New Look at Lent is a great guide to shaking up your Lenten practices. If you (like me) often find yourself giving up the same things Lent after Lent, 40 Days is just the remedy for your rut. D'Ambrosio has a deeply spiritual, challenging, but always realistic view of his faith which he shares in all of his books including this one.
April 7, 2015
Just what I needed this Easter season. I stuck to it and didn't miss a reading (or caught up within a day). Will look for more from this author for sure.
March 1, 2023
Great guide thru Lent. This is my second reading and will use it again next year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews