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The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday, February 21, with the marking of the forehead with blessed ashes made from the palms and branches from last year's Palm Sunday. These ashes serve as a visible reminder of the Lenten emphasis on prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three aspects of Lent are meant to prepare the Christian for the celebration of the Lord's Resurrection on Easter.
Lent is a 40-day season that Christians observe in preparation for the celebration of Easter, which will be celebrated on Sunday, April 8. The word "Lent" comes from the Middle English word "lenten" which meant "springtime." Lent is the Church's spring - a time for renewal and a reminder of the new life of baptism.
In addition to choosing their own penitential practices, Catholics are also asked to observe the practices of fast and abstinence during the 40 days of Lent. The Lenten Fast and Abstinence Regulations are as follows:
- Everyone 14 years of age or over is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent.
- Everyone 18 years of age and under 59 years of age is bound to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (The obligation of fasting ceases with the celebration of one's 59th birthday.)
- On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, only one full meatless meal is allowed. Two other smaller meatless meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to each one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted on these two days, but liquids, including milk and fruit juices are allowed. When health or ability to work would be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.
- Catholics should not lightly excuse themselves from these prescribed minimal penitential practices.
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