Cardinal Advincula to lead Ash Wednesday mass

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will preside over the Ash Wednesday mass at the Manila Cathedral on March 5, signaling the start of Lent.

In a Facebook post, the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Manila Cathedral, announced that  Advincula would lead the Eucharistic celebration during the 6 p.m. mass.

Catholic faithful will receive ashes on their foreheads after the homily.

The ashes came from the palms blessed during the previous Palm Sunday. 

The Manila Cathedral will hold two other masses on Ash Wednesday.

The cathedral’s rector Fr. Rolly de la Cruz will be the main celebrant during the 7:30 a.m. mass. Vice rector Fr. Viel Bautista will lead the 12:10 p.m. mass. 

In preparation for the 40-day season of Lent, the Manila Cathedral arranged two schedules for the Sacrament of Confession, from 10 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Ash Wednesday is considered a day of obligation for Catholics, who are required to observe fasting and abstinence. 

People aged 18 to 60 are required to fast. Those 14 to 60 years old should practice abstinence.