The Ember Days occur four times a year, at the beginning of each of the natural seasons. Traditionally they are marked by three days of fasting and abstinence—the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following, respectively, Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, Exaltation of the Cross, and St. Lucy’s Day. In 1966, the Roman Catholic Church replaced them with days of prayer for various needs and withdrew the obligation to fast. The Anglican Communion still observes them. In the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, since the sixth century, priests have been ordained on an Ember Saturday. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary