KAPIT: This year saw a slight change in the way Ash Wednesday Mass was conducted, as witnessed by hundreds of Catholics who gathered at St Mary Immaculate Conception Church here on Wednesday evening.
In the wake of Covid-19, instead of administering ashes in the shape of a cross on a worshipper’s forehead, the ashes were administered on their heads as recommended by the diocese.
Presiding at the Mass was the Parish Priest, Father Philip Obaso. Also present together at the mass were Parish Council chairman Dewis Lidek, catechists Kenneth Kanyan and Edward Antas along with members from the Marian Guild, Chinese Pastoral and Divine Mercy.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of penance to repent and reflect for Christians around the world. It will then be followed by Good Friday and Easter.
The ashes symbolise penance and are prepared by burning palm leaves from the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebrations.
