Ash Wednesday in 2025 falls on March 5, and Good Friday on April 18.
1. Abstinence
The faithful are bound to abstinence from meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and every Friday of the year (unless a solemnity falls on that day). This obligation applies to all who have completed their 14th year.
On days other than Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, abstinence may be substituted by:
- Refraining from another type of food or drink,
- Abstaining from alcohol, smoking, or another form of indulgence,
- Performing an act of charity for one’s neighbor (Caritas),
- Participating in Holy Mass, adoration, the Way of the Cross, or another devotional practice,
- Giving special attention to family prayer.
2. Fasting
The obligatory days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means that only one substantial meal is consumed during the day. Additionally, if necessary, two smaller snacks may be eaten. The obligation to fast binds all adults (from the completion of their 18th year) until the beginning of their 60th year.
3. The Obligation of Penance
The faithful are obliged to do penance during Lent and on all Fridays of the year. During these times, the Church calls the faithful in a particular way to prayer, abstinence, and charity towards one’s neighbor. Various ways to fulfill the obligation of penance are listed in section 1.
Each person is encouraged to find the form of penance best suited to them, also during Lent. A recommended practice is to abstain from something and, at the end of Lent on Palm Sunday, to donate the money saved through this abstinence to the diocesan Lenten collection, for the benefit of those who often lack even the most basic necessities of life.
February 28, 2025
+ Raimo
Bishop of Helsinki