Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and repentance for Catholics around the world, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said.
In a message to the faithful, the CBCP reminded Catholics that Lent is a time to return to God with sincere hearts. The bishops said fasting is not simply about giving up food, but about making spiritual sacrifices that lead to personal renewal and deeper faith.
Ash Wednesday is known for the imposition of ashes on the forehead, with the priest saying, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes, made from blessed palm branches used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolize repentance and humility.
Under Church guidelines, Catholics aged 18 to 59 are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, while those aged 14 and above are asked to abstain from eating meat.
Fasting means eating only one full meal during the day, although two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal are allowed.
The CBCP also encouraged the faithful to look beyond traditional practices and consider other forms of sacrifice, such as limiting time on digital devices, helping the poor, or forgiving those who have wronged them.
Church leaders said that through prayer, fasting, and good works, Catholics can prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
