Lent is Here!

Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of fasting, penance and reflection which is a preparation for Catholics before the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. The imposition of ashes on the forehead during Ash Wednesday is to humble one's heart and to make one remember that life passes away on Earth. "Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return. —Genesis 3:19" Ashes are the symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the church, and help one to develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice. Season of Lent is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance for forty days until Holy Thursday. The liturgy of Lent focuses on the passion and death of Christ. Therefore, Stations of the Cross are prayed throughout the whole season to commemorate the passion and death of the Lord. As the Season of Lent comes to an end, Catholics celebrate Passion Sunday or known as Palm Sunday. Palms are the symbol of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It is also a symbol of Christ's resurrection, triumphant over sins and death through the waters of Baptism. "Seek to experience God's presence within." - Pope Benedict XVI