Ash Wednesday 2025

Ash Wednesday in 2025 falls on March 5. It marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance observed by many Christian denominations.

Key Aspects of Ash Wednesday:

• Ashes on the Forehead:
  A priest or minister applies ashes in the shape of a cross on a person's forehead while saying, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return," or "Repent and believe in the Gospel."
• Symbolism of Ashes:
  Ashes represent repentance, humility, and mortality, reminding believers of their dependence on God.
• Fasting and Abstinence:
  Catholics aged 18-59 are required to fast (one full meal and two smaller meals) and abstain from meat on this day.
• Beginning of Lent:
  It starts the 40-day season of spiritual preparation for Easter, reflecting Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert.