Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent when, each day, Christians offer prayer, charity and sacrifice.  The beginning of Lent traditionally involves fasting, and the distribution of ashes on the foreheads of church-goers.  Many make Lenten promises or resolutions throughout the forty day penitential period leading up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday, when we mark the Crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As this Friday 24 February marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “Our hearts and prayers continue go out to the suffering people of Ukraine.  During Lent let our acts of prayer, charity and fasting, each day, be dedicated to the plight of refugees, and for a global peaceful environment.  We must always work for peace, pray for peace and make sacrifices for peace.  All of us have the capacity to build peace by our words, our actions and our attitudes to others.”

ENDS