Lent, representing 40 days of prayer and sacrifice, starts tomorrow in preparation for the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, the Church said today.

It encouraged members to read the Bible, partake in the sacraments and attend spiritual exercises.

The Church said that members could participate in Mass during the week, abstain from alcoholic beverages, smoking or entertainment, do the Way of the Cross, pray with the family, spend less and be more charitable and visit the sick or elderly who lived alone.

The bishops encouraged believers to be authentic in all they did and not to allow lent to become a routine as this would kill the beautiful expression of faith such a moment should generate.

On the first day of Lent tomorrow and on Good Friday, all those aged between 18 and 60 and were not excused for some serious reason had the duty to fast while those who were 14 and over had the duty not to eat meat or some other favourite food.