It was February 17.
Ash Wednesday falls on February 17, 2010.
Lent beings on Ash Wednesday, which in 2010 falls on February 17th.
February 17th 2010
Ash Wednesday is the day that kicks off the start of Lent.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of lent - a period of 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays). Easter is always on a Sunday, and therefore Ash Wednesday is always on a Wednesday. In 2009 Ash Wednesday is on Wednesday 25th February.
Yes Ash Wednesday is mandatory for Catholics. It is considered to be a Holy day of Obligation!
When the question was asked "today" was 01:27am on Thursday 18 February 2010, so No.However, Wednesday 17 February 2010 was Ash Wednesday that year.
The 13th
Ash Wednesday
The day preceding Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday.
No ash Wednesday is not a day of feasting and merry making it is more of mourning and repenting.
Ash Wednesday has not been stopped. It is the first day of Lent and is still observed throughout the world.