The Catholic Church tomorrow celebrates Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days of prayer and special penance in preparation for the functions in remembrance of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Church yesterday encouraged its members to read Holy Scriptures and take part in spiritual exercises during Lent.

The Maltese Episcopal Conference suggested a number of good actions which will serve as sacrifices. Actions include attending Mass on weekdays, abstinence from alcohol, smoking and leisure, saying the Rosary within the family and participating in the Via Sagra. The conference also suggests a reduction in overspending in order to distribute money to charity, and visiting the sick or elderly who live alone.

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, people who are over 18 years of age and have not reached the age of 60 and are fit for fasting are obliged to fast. On the same days, people over 14 years of age are expected to abstain from eating meat and other favourite food.

While encouraging Lenten penance, the ecclesiastical authorities reminded the faithful that Fridays are also days of penance throughout the year.