Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Lent, the 40-day season of prayer, fasting and spiritual retreat observed by catholics worldwide. The ashes used during the mass are made from the burnt palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. It symbolises repentance.
During mass, the priest marks worshippers’ foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross, accompanied by the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The phrase serves as a reminder of human mortality and humility before God.
Why Lent is counted as 40 days
While Lent spans 46 calendar days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday, Sundays are not counted in the 40 days of fasting. This is because each Sunday is considered a celebration of the Resurrection, often described as a “mini-Easter.” As a result, the six Sundays during Lent are excluded from the fasting count.
In many Christian traditions, this means individuals who give up certain habits or comforts during Lent are technically not bound by their Lenten sacrifice on Sundays, although moderation is still encouraged.
Wearing the ashes
Although catholics are not required to keep the ashes on their foreheads all day, especially if one has a formal presentation, business meeting or other engagement where it may be distracting, however many choose to wear it with pride throughout the day as a public witness of faith.
The observance is ultimately a matter of the heart rather than appearance.
A season of personal commitment
Lent invites believers to take up spiritual disciplines such as prayer, charity and Scripture study, or to give up certain habits as a form of sacrifice and self-examination. The period ends with Easter, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What are you giving up, or taking up, this Lenten season?
