Septuagesima Sunday (Lat., seventieth), within the seventh decade, or space of 70 days, before Easter, marking [in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite] the beginning of the penitential season with the wearing of purple vestments and the omission of the Alleluia. In earlier days a part of the week was given to fasting and abstinence in preparation for the more rigid observance of Lent. Among the Greeks called Prodigal Son Sunday from the subject of the Gospel which they read on this day.--C.E.
The Catholic Encyclopedia Dictionary, New York: The Gilmary Society, 1929.
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