The University will mark the beginning of the Lenten Season this year with the Ash Wednesday Mass at Plaza Mayor on Feb. 22, 5 p.m.
In a circular released on Feb. 15, the Office of the Secretary General called on the Thomasian community to prepare for the 40-day penitential season.
“May we trustingly prepare ourselves with confidence to follow the Lenten journey, that begins on Ash Wednesday, as an opportunity for conversion and interior renewal in listening to the Word of God, in prayer and in the daily exercise of charity towards one’s neighbor,” the circular stated.
Nine masses to be followed by the imposition of ashes will be held at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church starting 6:15 a.m.
A “Kumpisalang bayan,” or mass confession, will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Miguel de Benavides Park. The stations of the cross will be held at the said venue during Lenten Fridays from Feb. 24 to Mar. 31.
UST’s landmarks will be lit in violet from Feb. 22 to 24 and during Lenten Fridays to symbolize penance and reconciliation.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten Season, observing Jesus Christ’s 40-day fasting in the Judaean Desert. The ashes, for Catholics, symbolize man’s mortality or his return to dust, as stated in the book of Genesis.
During this time, Catholics are called on to engage in prayer, fasting and almsgiving to prepare for the Easter Triduum – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday – during Holy Week. A.B. Maestrado
