Reforms from Pius XII, Vatican 17 restored connection
During the first three centuries, most Christians prepared for Easter by fasting for only two or three days. In some places, the paschal fast, as it was then known, was extended to the entire week before Easter, now called Holy Week.
In Rome the Lenten season lasted for three weeks, and its main purpose was to prepare catechumens for baptism at Easter. By the fourth century, the Roman Lent was extended to 40 days, the ...