Catholics observe Ash Wednesday

TODAY, February 13, marks the beginning of the 40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting as the Catholic faithful observed Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season.

Msgr. Elmer Abacahin, parish priest of the Holy Cross Parish in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, said while the Church has started preparing “for the great feast of our salvation,” it is also a good spiritual preparation for Catholics and for Christians to have a recollection and intense prayer.

“Repentance, which is among the pillar actions during this season, is our preparation for the great feast of salvation which our Savior Jesus Christ offered during His resurrection,” said Abacahin, who has been reelected as president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC).

In the Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday is observed through fasting, abstinence from meat and repentance or a day of contemplating one's sinfulness.

During this day, those who are between 14 to 60 years old are called to fast and abstain pursuant to Canon 1253.

“However, those who are sick are exempted from fasting,” Abacahin said.

Meanwhile, the prelate is urging the members of COPC to be one in the Club’s journey in upholding a fair, balance and sensible journalism.

Abacahin issued this statement after the Club’s annual general assembly and election of officers last Saturday which almost caused division among the members.

He said the club’s concentration this year is to work hardly on reconciliation, especially on issues that may have caused the rift among members.

“Gawas sa atong hiniusang tinguha nga matuman ang mga katuyoan sa Press Club karong tuiga, panahon usab sa kahiusahan sa tanan,” Abacahin said.