Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent and the start of a 40-day fasting period for Catholics around the world.
The season of lent is made up of 40 fasting days and 6 non-fasting Sundays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday before Easter Sunday.
The 40-day fasting period reflects the suffering endured by Jesus when he fasted in the wilderness of the desert before beginning his ministry. While the 6 non-fasting Sundays offers us the opportunity to bond with family and friends and meet them at their point of need.
See the photo after the cut for Good Deeds for Lent 2016 a list of things you can do during this year's lent season
