Practicing Catholics won’t be having too much fun this Valentine’s Day.
That’s because the annual celebration of romance on Feb. 14 falls on the same day as Ash Wednesday this year — and church officials say Catholics must fast and abstain from meat that day.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, "the obligation of fast and abstinence must naturally be the priority of the Catholic community," The Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement.
"Catholics throughout the world recognize Ash Wednesday as the solemn beginning of a period of prayerful reflection and penance, as is evident by the large number of churchgoers on this day."
The archdiocese added that Catholics who want to tip their hat to Cupid without restriction may want to do so on Feb. 13th, which is also Mardi Gras, "a traditionally festive time before beginning our Lenten observance."
Under Catholic law, those in good health aged 18-59 must fast and abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, which begins the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent.
This year will be the first time since 1945 that Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day have fallen on the same day.
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