Pinoy Catholics start Lenten season with yearly ash ritual

Filipino Catholics started on Wednesday a 40-day season of sacrifice by going to churches and having their foreheads marked with ash. In Manila, many employees and students flocked to Quiapo Church in the early morning to have their foreheads smeared with ash by the parish priest. As early as 6 a.m., Catholic faithful formed queues at the church to observe the Ash Wednesday rites, before going to schools and offices.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District boosted its visibility on Ash Wednesday, according to a report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo. MPD spokesman Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said police patrol vehicles were stationed near churches as early as 4 a.m., including Quiapo Church and Manila Cathedral. For Filipino Catholics, Lent is a 40-day season of sacrifice to prepare self for the commemoration of the the Passion and Death of Jesus. On Ash Wednesday, priests and lay ministers mark the foreheads of the faithful with ashes from palms blessed during last year’s Palm Sunday. Meanwhile, a senior Catholic Church official called for true penance and conversion as Filipinos start the yearly observance of Lent. Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla said that while many Catholics show their faith by having ashes placed on their foreheads, they do not practice sacrifice and repentance. "Many Catholics simply allow ashes to be placed in their foreheads without knowing the value of sacrifice and repentance associated with the act," the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines quoted Capalla as saying. Capalla noted the lack of understanding for most Catholics of the meaning behind the imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday. He said the Old Testament describes the putting of ashes on one’s head while one wears sackcloth signifies repentance from sin. But now, the Church has done away with the wearing of the white cloth, he noted. Capalla said everyone should repent and avail of the sacrament of reconciliation and lead better lives. He added Lent reminds everyone of Jesus Christ’s undying love and sacrifice to save one and all from eternal damnation. “He teaches and challenges us to be better Christians and be with Him in His Kingdom," he said. — LBG/RSJ, GMA News