ILOILO City – Ilonggo Catholics are being urged to pause, reflect, and repent this Ash Wednesday, February 18, to mark the beginning of Lent, the Church’s most solemn penitential season leading to Easter.
The Archdiocese of Jaro called on the faithful to treat the day not as a mere ritual observance but as the start of a 40-day spiritual journey centered on conversion, sacrifice, and renewal.
“This is a moment of profound reflection, as individuals are summoned to look inward and contemplate their spiritual journey,” said Reverend Father Angelo Colada, spokesperson and director of the archdiocese’s Social Communication Office.
Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting in the desert and serves as preparation for Easter Sunday, which celebrates His resurrection.
Symbol of mortality and repentance
A central rite of Ash Wednesday is the imposition of ashes on the forehead in the shape of a cross. The ashes are made from burned palm branches blessed during the previous year’s Palm Sunday.
“The ashes serve as a visual and tactile reminder of our mortality and the universal truth that all humans are made from dust and will return to dust. The application of ashes publicly signifies repentance and a commitment to turn away from sin,” Fr. Colada explained.
He stressed that the outward sign of ashes must reflect an inner desire for spiritual renewal and transformation.
Fasting and abstinence
Ash Wednesday is also one of only two days in the liturgical calendar — along with Good Friday — when Catholics are required to fast and abstain from meat.
Abstinence from meat is also observed on all Fridays during Lent.
Colada clarified that fasting means reducing food intake, while abstinence generally refers to refraining from eating meat.
“Fasting is a personal sacrifice that expresses our commitment to spiritual growth, while abstinence encourages mindfulness about what we consume and our overall lifestyle choices,” he added.
A call to conversion
Church teachings emphasize that acts of penance during Lent — whether through prayer, sacrifice, charity, or reconciliation — are meant to foster empathy, discipline, and a renewed relationship with God.
Special Masses and liturgical services are expected across parishes in Iloilo to mark the start of Lent, drawing thousands of worshippers seeking spiritual renewal./PN
