Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Season of Lent with the traditional imposition of ashes.
During the 40-day Lenten season, more than 80 million Filipino Catholics are enjoined to repent for their past sins, do works of mercy, and to personally prepare for the renewal of their baptismal promises on Easter Vigil.
(Photo by: Juan Carlo de Vela / MANILA BULLETIN)
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics who are 14 years old and above are obliged to practice abstinence, and those aged 18 to 60 years old are obliged to fast. While, on all Fridays of Lent, Catholics aged 14 years old and above are obliged to practice abstinence.