We live in a world in which the penitent, nearly penitent, and far-from-penitent are fond of using the expression “I’m giving up ______ for Lent.” We live in a world which views Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), the eve of the penitent and repentant season of Lent in the Christian Church (which begins next week), as little more than a peep show transacted with beads. Thanks to the influence of years of institutional church tradition, the Mardi Gras parties go on before the soul’s 40-day probation period leading to Good Friday begins. Mardi Gras in the predominately Roman Catholic and French-speaking world ...