The Diocese of Allentown observed Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. 

During this time, Catholics prepare our hearts and minds for the death of Christ on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter.

“As we begin this Lenten season, we focus our daily practices and habits to help our spiritual preparation. Purify our hearts, O Lord, and help us turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel. #Lent #PrayFastGive,” the Diocese of Allentown posted on Facebook.

Pope Francis tweeted on Feb. 27, "I renew my invitation for everyone to take part on 2 March, Ash Wednesday, in a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in #Ukraine, in order to be near to the suffering Ukrainian people, to be aware that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God for an end to the war."

According to USCCB, lent is “a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully."

Traditionally, Catholics do not eat meat during Fridays, but other forms of penance and denial of self are to be encouraged. Catholics are also encouraged to participate in almsgiving during the season of Lent, more so than at other times of the year. Many Catholics choose to give up other comforts, such as chocolate, coffee or hot showers.

According to Woman’s Day, Lent starts with Ash Wednesday and the season ends on Easter, which is either observed on Saturday, April 17 for the Easter Vigil or Sunday, April 18. 

The Ash Wednesday Mass is a time when the priest draws a cross from ashes on the foreheads of parishioners. The ashes are meant to be a reminder of our own mortality and our sins. Many churches burn the palms from the previous Palm Sunday for the ashes, according to Christianity.com.