Ash Wednesday marks start of Lenten season for many
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season for Catholics and many Christians.
Many Chicago Catholics and Christians will head to church throughout the day Wednesday to receive ashes on their foreheads and mark the start of Lent.
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the palm branches used on the previous Palm Sunday.
The Holy Day of Obligation begins the 40 days of fasting leading up to Easter. During that time, the faithful prepare for the Easter holiday by "giving up" something for 40 days.
A website recently studied social media to determine the most popular things people give up for Lent:
- Chocolate
- Social networking
- Alcohol
- School
- Meat
- Sweets
- Coffee
- Soda
Many people around the world celebrate Lent not by “giving up” something, but by “taking on” the practice of kindness or by resolving to say prayers every day.
What are you giving up for Lent, or promising to do? Share your Lenten mission with us on our Facebook page.