Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic Church, a period of 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter. It falls on the Wednesday seven weeks before Easter. The date varies from year to year, depending on the date of Easter.
Traditionally, Ash Wednesday is observed by Catholics as a day of repentance, where the faithful reflect on their sins and express sorrow for them.
Fasting and Abstinence
Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting and abstinence in the Catholic Church. Fasting traditionally means having only one full meal for the day, with two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal, and no eating between meals. Abstinence involves refraining from eating meat.
These practices are meant to discipline the body and spirit in preparation for Easter and to share in a small way the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made.
Prayer and Reflection
Catholics are encouraged to spend more time in prayer, reflection, and reading the Scriptures during Lent. Ash Wednesday, in particular, is a day to reflect on one's own mortality and to repent for sins.
Almsgiving
Alongside prayer and fasting, almsgiving is an important part of Lent. Catholics are encouraged to give to the poor, and perform acts of charity and kindness during this period as a way of sharing the love of Christ.
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