THIS year’s Lenten season began with Cebuano Catholics attending masses to observe Ash Wednesday on Feb. 22, 2023.
To remind Catholics of the spirit of the Lenten season, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil Billones reminded the faithful to treat the yearly observance of Ash Wednesday as an invitation to return to God “with all their hearts.”
Billones presided over the Ash Wednesday mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Barangay Centro, Mandaue City.
In his homily, Billones reflected on the Spanish saying, “Eres polvo y al polvo volverás,” which translates to “You are dust and to dust you will return.” He reminded the faithful to maintain humility in the face of many challenges.
He added that the faithful should be grateful that despite their flaws they are still the recipients of God’s love.
“In Jesus, we find tremendous unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness. So, even though how negligible we are. Because of his forgiving love, suddenly, we receive so much value and meaning. That’s how special you are that Jesus died for us, specs of dust,” said Billones.
He advised people to go beyond their pride and surrender their sinfulness, unworthiness, and lowliness and be forgiven during the Lenten season.
“Let us put God in the center of our prayers, in the center of our appetite. We should sacrifice for a better-sculpted soul and heart,” he said.
Police show faith
At the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), police officers also observed Ash Wednesday by attending a mass at the San Lorenzo Ruiz chapel at their headquarters in Camp Sotero Cabahug in uptown Cebu City.
Lt. Col. Janette Rafter, CCPO’s deputy director for operations, said that their personnel who are devout Catholics initiated the mass at their headquarters.
Rafter said some of their personnel are not just focused on police work but also on church activities as part of the internal cleansing program of the Philippine National Police.
The observance of Ash Wednesday kicks off the season of Lent. It takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, which falls on April 9 this year. (HIC, AYB / TPT)