The Church has urged the faithful to read the gospel, participate in the sacraments and attend Lenten sermons during Lent, which starts tomorrow.
The Bishops also called for penitence and suggested abstinence from smoking or drinking alcohol, charitable acts, participation in via sagra, prayer within the family and visits to the sick and those living alone.
Tomorrow - Ash Wednesday - and on Good Friday all those aged between 18 and 60 who are healthy have a duty to fast and all those aged over 14 are obliged not to eat meat or the food which they usually prefer.