Bishop Quinn of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester delivered a message on Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent and echoing Pope Francis's call to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine. 

During this time, Catholics prepare our hearts and minds for the death of Christ on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter.

"This Lent, let us draw close to Jesus, who is always with us, and seek refuge. As Jesus fasted alone in the desert, our Lord faced temptations to turn away from God's plan. But he did not give in. Let us find strength in him to withstand temptation and face each day with hope. Today, Ash Wednesday, Pope Francis has called in a particular way for a global day of prayer and fasting for Ukraine. Let us pray for an end to violence throughout the world, for peace in the countries involved in the current conflict, and for a conversion of hearts toward the God, who loves us unconditionally,” Quinn shared in a YouTube video. 

Pope Francis tweeted on Feb. 27, "I renew my invitation for everyone to take part on 2 March, Ash Wednesday, in a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in #Ukraine, in order to be near to the suffering Ukrainian people, to be aware that we are all brothers and sisters, and to implore God for an end to the war."

According to USCCB, lent is “a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter. During Lent, we seek the Lord in prayer by reading Sacred Scripture; we serve by giving alms; and we practice self-control through fasting. We are called not only to abstain from luxuries during Lent, but to a true inner conversion of heart as we seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully."

Traditionally, Catholics do not eat meat during Fridays, but other forms of penance and denial of self are to be encouraged. Catholics are also encouraged to participate in almsgiving during the season of Lent, more so than at other times of the year. Many Catholics choose to give up other comforts, such as chocolate, coffee or hot showers.

According to Woman’s Day, Lent starts with Ash Wednesday and the season ends on Easter, which is either observed on Saturday, April 17 for the Easter Vigil or Sunday, April 18. 

The Ash Wednesday Mass is a time when the priest draws a cross from ashes on the foreheads of parishioners. The ashes are meant to be a reminder of our own mortality and our sins. Many churches burn the palms from the previous Palm Sunday for the ashes, according to Christianity.com.