Ash Wednesday falls every year between February 4 and March 10, exactly 46 calendar days before Easter. It is not a holy day of obligation, so participation in Holy Mass is not obligatory. Nevertheless, priests encourage people to come and participate in the symbolic sprinkling of ashes on the heads. It is an act of penance, which means a person’s desire to be cleansed of sins.
Is fasting required on Ash Wednesday? The Code of Canon Law says it clearly
On Ash Wednesday, Catholics observe abstinence from meat (from the age of 14) and fast (between the ages of 18 and 60). – Refusing food is one of the basic ways of asceticism, i.e. putting one’s body into a state of mortification. It is intended to broaden our horizon from what is earthly to what is metaphysical – explained theologian Damian Burdzań in an interview with the portal. Strict fasting is a quantitative and qualitative restriction. On Ash Wednesday, the faithful should eat one large meal and two light meals. They also cannot eat meat. Strict fasting is observed in the Catholic Church only twice a year. This is Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
When is Ash Wednesday 2024? What can you eat on Ash Wednesday?
This year, Ash Wednesday falls on February 14, the same day as Valentine’s Day. The faithful should not eat meat, sweets or drink alcohol. Excessive eating is also prohibited. On Ash Wednesday, it is best to eat fruit, cereals, dairy products and vegetarian dishes. You can drink coffee, tea and juices. Meals should be modest and symbolize spending this day in humility. For dinner you can eat fish, pancakes, dumplings, potato pancakes or pasta with additions. Try our recipe. What you need?
- 1 package of penne pasta,
- 1 package of frozen or fresh spinach,
- 1 package of feta cheese,
- 100 g of dried tomatoes or a handful of cherry tomatoes,
- 3 cloves of garlic,
- Spices: salt, pepper.
Cook pasta. In a pan, fry garlic, spinach, tomatoes and add spices. Combine everything with the pasta and mix. Finally, add the diced feta cheese. You can add it to the pan to melt or decorate a ready-made dish with it.
Source: Gazeta
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