Today is Ash Monday - the beginning of Great Lent in the Maronite Catholic Church
The Maronite Lenten Regulations
Ash Monday (February 23, 2009) and Good Friday (April 10, 2009) are days of abstinence
for all Maronites over the age of 14. On these two days, fast as well as abstinence is also obligatory
for those from the ages of 18-59. Abstinence means abstinence from meat. Fast means no food
from midnight to noon. No Maronite will lightly excuse himself or herself from this obligation.
All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat for everyone 14 years of age.
Here again Maronites will not hold themselves lightly excused, but if there is a serious health problem,
this obligation would not apply.
Fasting from midnight to noon daily is optional.
We strive to make all days of Lent a time of prayer and penance.