Catholics observe Ash Wednesday

Catholic Bishop David Kamau applies ash on the forehead of Catholic faithful at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent. [PHOTO: FIDELIS KABUNYI/STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Catholic faithfuls across the world marked the beginning of the Lent today. This was marked with the celebration of Ash Wednesday and will see them observe lent for 40 days ahead of the Easter celebrations.

During lent, Catholics are expected to be committed in prayer, fasting and helping the needy in society. They are also supposed to cease from excesses until Easter Sunday.