05 March 2014, 11:30 p.m. – ASH WEDNESDAY is a reminder for all to turn away from sin and return to the Lord, the seminary rector said during the Eucharistic celebration for the opening of the Lenten Season at Plaza Mayor Wednesday.
Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, O.P., rector of the UST Central Seminary, reminded the Thomasian community that while the imposition of ashes during Ash Wednesday is a profession of the faithful’s “weakness, mortality, and sinfulness,” it also signifies a renewed relationship with Christ.
“The call to repentance is urgent. Repentance requires turning away from sins, but it is just half of the more important thing that should happen,” Pedregosa said. “Repentance is turning and reconciling with God.”
He added that the imposition of ashes on the forehead is another way of saying “yes” to almsgiving, praying, and fasting, which are the practices that Catholics must observe during Lent.
“When we pray, we foster our intimate communication with God. When we fast, we purify ourselves from our old selfish desires, and when we give alms, we turn to those who are suffering and in need,” Pedregosa said.
Pedregosa urged Thomasians to seek forgiveness for their sins, noting that the Lenten season is the best time to reconcile with God.
Through fasting, almsgiving and abstinence, the Church experiences God’s “compassionate relationship to his people,” he said. Angeli Mae S. Cantillana
