The first day of Lent · Wednesday, February 10, 2027

Ash Wednesday 2027

Ash Wednesday 2027 falls on Wednesday, February 10, 2027. It opens Lent with ashes on the forehead and a day of fasting and abstinence.

Fasting (ages 18–59) and abstinence from meat (14 and over). Not a holy day of obligation; ashes are for anyone.

Genesis 3:19 (WEB)You will eat bread by the sweat of your face until you return to the ground, for you were taken out of it. For you are dust, and you shall return to dust.

What the ashes mean

Ashes were the Old Testament's sign of mourning and repentance: Job repents "in dust and ashes", and Nineveh's king sits in ashes at Jonah's preaching. The Church takes up the sign on the first day of Lent, marking a cross with the ashes of last year's palms. The words recall where we came from and where we are going, and what to do about it.

Mark 1:15 (WEB)and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”

The fast, in plain words

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence.
Fasting binds Catholics from their 18th birthday until their 59th: one full meal, and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full one, with nothing between meals.
Abstinence binds everyone from age 14: no meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and every Friday of Lent. Fish, eggs and dairy are allowed.
The sick, pregnant or nursing mothers, and anyone whose health or work requires it are excused from fasting.

The readings

The readings of Ash Wednesday are the same every year: Joel 2:12–18 ("return to me with all your heart"), Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2 ("now is the day of salvation") and Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18, on prayer, fasting and almsgiving done in secret.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (WEB)For he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.

The collect

LatinPraesta, Domine, fidelibus tuis: ut ieiuniorum veneranda sollemnia, et congrua pietate suscipiant, et secura devotione percurrant. Per Dominum nostrum.

Our translationGrant, O Lord, to your faithful that they may take up the venerable solemnity of the fast with fitting devotion, and run its course with untroubled hearts. Through our Lord.

Ash Wednesday 2027 questions

When is Ash Wednesday 2027?

Wednesday, February 10, 2027. Easter follows 46 days later, on March 28.

Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?

No, but it is one of the two days of fasting and abstinence in the year, with Good Friday.

Can I eat meat on Ash Wednesday?

No, if you are 14 or older: it is a day of abstinence from meat. Catholics aged 18 to 59 also fast: one full meal and two smaller ones that together do not equal it.

What are the ashes made of?

The burned palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday, blessed before they are given.

Who can receive ashes?

Anyone, Catholic or not, baptized or not. Ashes are a sacramental, a sign of repentance, not a sacrament.

What does the priest say?

One of two formulas: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15), or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, from Genesis 3:19.

Do I have to keep the ashes on all day?

No. Many do as a quiet witness, but there is no rule; you may wash them off.

Start Lent 40 on Ash Wednesday: one prayer a day for forty days, the Stations on Fridays. Free.