Ash Wednesday is one of the most solemn of Christian dates. It's the start of a weekslong period for the faithful called Lent that comes ahead of one of the most joyous of Christian holidays.

The tradition dates as far back as 601 AD, when 64th leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Gregory cemented the Lent as permanent tradition, according to the Museum of the Bible. At this time, Lent ...

On Ash Wednesday, many Catholics will receive ashes ... He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Lent is a period of 40 days and nights of preparation for Easter.

According to Britannica.com, Ash Wednesday is "a solemn reminder of human ... Historically, early Christians observed Lent over six weeks (36 days), excluding Sundays. By the 7th century, the ...

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week. In 2025 Lent begins on Wednesday 5 March and ends on Thursday 17 April. Lent is an old English word meaning 'lengthen'.

Particular days of abstinence during Lent are Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. As canon law states, Catholics over the age of 14 are expected to abstain from the eating of meat on Ash ...

On Feb. 14, 2024, millions of Catholics around the world received a traditional ash cross on their foreheads to mark the beginning of Lent — the 40-day period before Easter that, according to ...

Welcome to our series of Lent and Easter reflections. Our Ash Wednesday reflection, inspired by Matthew 6: 16-21, explores the significance of the cross of ash being marked on foreheads. Receive ...

Start Lent on Ash Wednesday at the Ulster University Belfast Chaplaincy Lounge. Drop in from 10am to 4pm. Every 15 minutes - a Lenten reflection followed by optional singing with Ashes. Led by the ...