After a Fat Tuesday filled with paczkis and pancakes, tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, marking the start of lent for people of Christian faith. Lent is a 40-day period preceding Easter Sunday where people from all denominations of Christianity practice self-sacrifice and discipline in various ways including fasting,

On Wednesday, Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Major Penitentiary, celebrated the traditional Mass beginning Lent at the Basilica of Santa Sabina in Rome, and read the homily prepared by Pope Francis.

At Ash Wednesday services there was special consideration for the leader of the church, Pope Francis, as he remains hospitalized.

The Catholic Church opened the solemn Lenten season leading to Easter on Wednesday without the participation of Pope Francis, who was in the third week of hospital treatment for double pneumonia.

With Lent beginning, fish fry season is underway across Southern Indiana as area Catholic churches prepare meals for the whole community to enjoy.

Several Indianapolis-area churches, as well as a few restaurants, will host fish fries over the next six Fridays. Whether you're a devout Catholic or simply enjoy battered filets, here are some spots to seek out fried fish during Lent.