Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday fall on the same day, Wednesday, Feb. 14, this year. The occasion may lead some to question if they can eat chocolate or if they should be fasting on the holiday ...

In the Catholic Church, those ages 18 - 59 must fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (Canon 97). On such days, those fasting may eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals, sufficient to ...

Consider this post an early take on Lent 2025 or, maybe, a very late meditation on this year’s stack of New Year’s ...

Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer...The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead." The source further explains ...

On Ash Wednesday, you may encounter Christians, especially Catholics, wearing a smudge of ashes on their foreheads. That could be a bit startling unless you know the meaning behind this religious ...

Our Ash Wednesday reflection, inspired by Matthew 6: 16-21, explores the significance of the cross of ash being marked on foreheads. Receive upcoming reflections direct to your inbox by signing up to ...

On Ash Wednesday, many Catholics will receive ashes ... Lastly, Catholics may fast and abstain. Catholics fast to remember the 40 days and nights that Jesus spent in the desert fasting.

The 12 total ember days throughout the year are: The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Ash Wednesday The Wednesday ... of those festivals by, instead, fasting and praying.

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is called ... Jesus went into the desert to fast and pray before beginning his work for God. Jesus was tempted several times by Satan, but ...

Afterward, it was merged into Lent, which is known for its 40 days of fasting and penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.