FILIPINO faithful yesterday flocked to churches across the country to mark the start of the Lenten Season with the observance of Ash Wednesday.
During the mass, Catholics are invested on their foreheads with ashes in the shape of a cross as the priest intones, “From dust thou art, unto dust thou shall return.”
Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season, a period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for the Sacred Paschal Triduum and Easter.
At the Manila Cathedral, the faithful also received the Sacrament of Confession.
In a Pastoral Letter, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula ordered the conduct of a second collection on all Sundays during the Lenten season on March 9, 16, 23, and 30; and April 6 and 13.
“The Church, through Alay Kapwa 2025, seeks to help us live out compassion by sharing our blessings with the needy,” said Advincula.
“As we renew and deepen our spiritual lives, the pressing needs of our time urge us to embody compassion, the highest expression of Christ’s love,” he added.
Advincula said all funds from the second collection will be sent to Caritas Manila for its “Damayan Program,” which provides relief assistance and humanitarian aid to those in need.
“Through the Damayan Program, we helped poor families severely affected by natural and man-made disasters in 2024,” said Advincula.
