As Lent begins, the Catholic Church is once again encouraging the faithful to join the liturgy before receiving ashes.
Rev. Fr. Angelo Colada, spokesperson for the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), stressed how vital it is for Catholics to attend Mass or parish liturgy before receiving ashes.
This reminder follows reports of some churchgoers receiving ashes without first joining the Holy Mass or Ash Wednesday para-liturgy.
Colada clarified that there are two ways ashes are administered: during the celebration of the Holy Mass in Catholic churches and through a para-liturgy, commonly held in barangay chapels, government offices, and schools.
He explained that receiving ashes is woven into a larger act of worship and reflection, which starts with the proclamation of the Word of God and shared prayer.
At the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, the earliest Mass for Ash Wednesday is scheduled at 5:30 a.m., with additional schedules set throughout the day.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and penance rooted in Biblical tradition and leading up to Easter Sunday.
Colada reminded the faithful that receiving ashes should be a sign of true repentance and heartfelt spiritual preparation, rather than just a yearly tradition.IMT
