ILOILO City – To reach more faithful, the Archdiocese of Jaro has extended the tradition of Ash Wednesday observances today beyond churches to barangays, schools, and other institutions.
Reverend Father Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s Social Communication Office, said Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal.
This day plays a significant role in the lives of the faithful, symbolizing the start of the 40-day Lenten journey, he added.
“It prepares us for the resurrection of our Lord. It’s a time to reflect, seek forgiveness, and change our lives,” Colada emphasized.
The ashes placed on the forehead serve as a symbol of penance and mortality, reminding all that life is fleeting and that everything in this world is temporary.
“It’s important to strive for something greater than this life – the life we can gain through change,” said Colada.
The Archdiocese of Jaro has released a schedule of masses and Ash Wednesday services at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and selected schools across Iloilo City.
Additionally, lay ministers have been authorized to visit barangay chapels and institutions to ensure the ritual reaches as many people as possible.
“Instead of having everyone go to the main churches, we can send the ashes to the barangay chapels and other institutions,” Colada told Panay News.
The schedule for Holy Masses at the Jaro Cathedral is as follows: 5:30 a.m. (Hiligaynon); 6:30 a.m. (Hiligaynon); 12:15 p.m. (English); and 5:30 p.m. (English).
For the Rite of Imposition of Ashes outside the Mass (Liturgy of the Word):
* Jaro Cathedral – 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
* St. Pope John Paul II Gym – 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
In schools, the following will also observe the imposition of ashes (Liturgy of the Word):
* Jaro I Elementary School – 9 a.m.
* Jaro II Elementary School – 8 a.m.
* Jaro National High School – 10 a.m.
* Judith Lazarraga Tingco Memorial School – 8 a.m.
* Bakhaw Integrated School – 8 a.m.
On the other hand, the ritual of burning old blessed palms to turn them to ashes was held after the 5:30 p.m. mass yesterday.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, all faithful are encouraged to observe fasting and abstinence, except for senior citizens and those who are ill. Additionally, the faithful are urged to practice abstinence every Friday throughout Lent.
Abstinence refers to the restriction of certain foods, while fasting involves limiting the amount of food consumed./PN
