Father David Kamau leads the beginning of the Lent season for catholic believers on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A

Catholic faithful on Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting ahead of Easter.

At the Minor Basilica of the Holy Family, Father David Kamau led morning Mass as worshippers gathered to receive the ash cross marking observed on Ash Wednesday.

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The ash cross marking on theforeheads symbolises repentance and human mortality.

Across the country, churches held early morning services, with more Masses scheduled at lunchtime and in the evening to allow more faithful to participate.

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Lent lasts for 40 days, to commemorate the 40 days Jesus Christ is believed to have fasted in the desert.

During this period, Catholics are encouraged to fast, abstain from meat on designated days, pray and give to the needy as a sign of spiritual renewal and preparation for Easter Sunday.

A priest administers the Eucharist to the parishioners on February 18, 2026/ EZEKIEL AMING'A
A priest administers the Eucharist to the parishioners on February 18, 2026/ EZEKIEL AMING'A
Catholic believers at the Holy Family Minor Basilica attend a mass at the basilica minor church on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Catholic believers at the Holy Family Minor Basilica on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Father David Kamau applies ash on a believer at the beginning of Lent season on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Father David Kamau applies ash on a believer at the beginning of Lent season on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
A catholic sister applies ash on a believer at the beginning of Lent season on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
A catholic sister applies ash on a believer at the beginning of Lent season on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Catholic believers at the minor holy family basilica attend a mass at the basilica minor church on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Catholic believers at the minor holy family basilica attend a mass at the basilica minor church on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Catholic believers at the minor holy family basilica attend a mass at the basilica minor church on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A
Father David Kamau leads the beginning of the Lent season for catholic believers on February 18, 2026/EZEKIEL AMING'A