Sacrifices during Lent urged

Abstaining from alcohol and smoking and reciting the rosary with the family or doing charitable acts with those in need are among the Lenten sacrifices proposed by the Church.

The Church yesterday marked Lent, 40 days of prayer and special sacrifice in preparation for the passion, death and resurrection of Christ. It encouraged people to take part in spiritual exercises, hear Mass during the week and say the Way of the Cross.

On Good Friday, those aged between 18 and 60 should fast, unless they were excused, and all those over 14 should abstain from meat and favourite meals.