MANILA Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula is set to lead today’s Ash Wednesday Mass at the Manila Cathedral as Catholics are set to mark the start of the annual Lenten Season.
The Manila Cathedral said the mass will start at 2:10 p.m. Two other Ash Wednesday masses are scheduled — at 7:30 a.m. and at 6 p.m.
“Imposition of ashes will be done in every Mass,” the Manila Cathedral said.
Aside from the masses, confessions will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, and from 3 to 5 p.m.
Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting for Catholics as it serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God.
Catholics observe the Ash Wednesday by going to churches to hear the Mass and have foreheads marked with ash crosses.
Ash Wednesday also signals the start of the annual Lenten Season, which is a 40-day religious observance for the Catholic Church.
During the Lenten Season, the faithful from ages 18 to 60 are required to fast during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
On all Fridays of Lent, the faithful from 14 to 60 years of age are required to practice abstinence.
