Later on, all Christians, either public or secret penitents, came out of devotion to receive ashes. The ashes are made from the previous years blessed palms from Palm Sunday. God is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy to those who call on Him with repentant hearts and lives. Divine mercy is of utmost importance, the Church calls on us to implore it during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance. During Lent, the Church also encourages attendance at daily Mass, self-imposed times of fasting and generosity to local, national, and world programs of sharing.
Abstinence means abstaining from eating meat.
Abstinence is applicable to all Catholics 14 years or older. Fasting means taking only one full meal each day. Two smaller meals are permitted as necessary to maintain strength according to one's needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Fasting is applicable to all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Return to Top HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.