Today is Ash Wednesday, a holy day of prayer and fasting. 

It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter.

Following the distribution of ashes, Lent begins, a period of fasting, prayer, and penance leading up to Easter, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.

Article added: Wednesday 14 February 2024