As another Lenten journey of conversion begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and ends with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 3, 2026, the Catholic Church calls all Catholics to a deeper spirit of penance, fasting, almsgiving and prayer, “which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1434 and 1969).

To foster a greater spirit of penance, reparation for sin, to encourage self-denial, which guide us more closely in the footsteps of Christ, the Church reminds us of the following obligations of fast and abstinence during Lent, and also admonishes us all to deeper prayer and worship.