Lent begins on Wednesday, as millions of people across the globe head to church to receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. During Lent, Catholics observe days of fast and abstinence from meat in the Catholic Church and Ash Wednesday is regarded as one of the most sacred days of the year for all Christians.. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence and all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States. Individuals who have a medical condition in which fasting may be considered harmful are not obliged to fast, but should perform some other act of penance or charity. According to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, the forty day Lenten season of prayer and penance is meant to convert hearts and minds back to God and Bishop David Zubik says this Lenten season is especially significant since it takes place during the Jubilee Year of Hope, a beautiful time for Christians to turn to the love and mercy of God. Distribution of ashes will be performed at all parishes. You’re urged to contact your parish for their schedule for distribution of ashes. Also during Lent, many churches and organizations host a fish fry. (Photo: AP)