A time of prayer and preparation called Lent, to celebrate Easter in the Christian calendar starts today, Ash Wednesday.

Lent is a time when some Christians try to overcome their own faults give up luxuries and practicing self-discipline and put aside more time for prayer and self-reflection.

This time of fasting and prayers lasts for 40 days until Easter begins with Holy Thursday, when it is believed Jesus had his last supper with his disciples, Good Friday, when it is believed Jesus died on the cross to save people and Easter Saturday, when it is believed Jesus rose from the dead.  Catholics around the country will today mark the beginning of lent with mass at their different parishes.