The Church has urged the faithful to read the word of God, take part in the sacraments and attend spiritual exercises during lent, which starts tomorrow.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna will celebrate mass at the chapel of the convent of the Sisters of Charity in Tarxien at 9am. It will be broadcast live on TVM2.

The Church has also “invited” Christians to experience God’s mercy during this Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The Archbishop has opened three doors of mercy – at the Mdina Cathedral, the Mellieha Sanctuary and the Oratory of the Crucifix in Senglea.

“All those who pass through these doors can gain plenary indulgence and apply it to themselves or to others. With this simple gesture, the church shows us God’s mercy – that he is ready to welcome all those who would like to renew their love of him.”

Plenary indulgence is when a person is freed of all attachment to sin of any kind. “In order to be obtained, a person had to be truly repentant, confess, receive communion during mass and offer prayers according to the intentions of the Pope. Confession and communion can be received up to 20 days before or after the person passes through a door of mercy. The sick, elderly or disabled can do this at any church. If even this is not possible, people can obtain indulgence at home. Instead of hearing mass the person can recite the rosary or the Via Sacra alone or preferably with family.”

The Church also reminded that fasting is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday for those between the ages of 18 and 60. Anyone 14 or older is required to refrain from eating meat or other favourite foods.

The Church said penitence is encouraged during lent but noted that this should be the practice every Friday.