Ash Wednesday starts Lenten Season

CEBU, Philippines - Most Catholics will have their foreheads marked with ash today to mark the annual observance of Ash Wednesday.

Today also marks the start of the 30-day Lenten Season leading to the observance of the death and resurrection of Christ on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Esteban Binghay reminded the faithful that the mark on the forehead symbolizes that "we all came and will end in ashes."

"Badlisan ang agtang sa matag Kristyano nga Katoliko gamit ang gisunog nga palmera nga gibinditahan niadtong Domingo sa Lukay. Sunugon kini, i-refine, ug sagulan sa holy water aron mupilit sa agtang. Nagpasabot kini nga sa abog kita gikan, sa abog kita pauli," the Cebu Archdiocese official explained.

Binghay added that this is a way to remind us to stay grounded.

"This makes us humble in order not to stumble. Kay naa man guy uban nga makalimot na ug manghambog nalang ug unsay naa sila. Ang liturhiya ugma (karon) maghisgot kang Propeta Joel kinsa misuwat nga ang Ginoo miingon 'balik kanako mga tawo.' Unsaon man pagbalik Kaniya? Duna tay tulo ka paagi nga mao ang fasting, alms-giving, ug praying," Binghay said.

He then clarified that the fasting prescribed by the Church does not necessarily tantamount to zero food intake.

"Fasting gani, mao ni ang pagkunhod sa intake, for example sa meat ug uban pa. Gikan sa usa ka bandihado, usa nalang ka plato ba kaha ang atong kaunon. Nganung buhaton man kini? Dili lamang alang sa physical apan usab sa spiritual fitness," the priest said.

Those saved from the fasting is not meant to be kept to oneself but rather given to those in need, referred to as "alay kapwa."

"Alms-giving is both physical and spiritual acts of mercy. We share what we gain to those who are in need. Dili lang kay ang ma-save nato kay atuon lang pud," Msgr. Binghay added.

For prayers, it is not enough to just say a prayer but to "surrender" to God all the petitions, thanksgiving, and sins, he said.

He also wanted to clarify the misconception that the person who had his forehead marked will not be allowed to eat meat for the entire Lenten Season.

"Ang adlaw nga dili angay'ng mangaon ug karne mao ang Ash Wednesday ug Good Friday kon Biyernes Santo. Dili pud  tanan kinahanglang mag-fasting. Ang kadtong walay sakit nga nag-edad ug 18 ngadto sa 60 ka tuig ang pwede. Kung dili ka pwedeng magpuasa, pangitag laing paagi sa imong sacrifice. Minimize ba kaha ang imong pag-Facebook, TV, or soft drinks," Msgr. Binghay said.

Fasting strengthens the person to withstand and resist temptation and trials.

"This is to exercise the will power of a person to become strong to avoid power failure. Developing resistance against temptation. It is the essence of exercise and not the act itself," he said.

Those who will miss today's marking on the forehead with ashes may approach their parish priest and ask for reconsideration.

Binghay said that this Sunday is considered an extension of Ash Wednesday.  (FREEMAN)