Kota Kinabalu: The Christian community once again solemnly observed Ash Wednesday with a mass (Eucharistic celebration) in various churches in Sabah.
Many faithful flocked to the Kota Kinabalu Sacred Heart Cathedral and other churches to attend the scheduled masses for the day.
At the end of every mass, priests sprinkled ashes on the head of believers to remind everyone that “you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”
The Eucharistic celebrations were held morning, noon and early evening in English, Malay, Chinese and in local dialects.
Each year, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is always 46 days before Easter Sunday.
Lent is a 40-day season (not counting Sundays) marked by repentance, fasting, reflection and ultimately celebration.
The 40-day period represents Christ’s time of temptation in the wilderness, where he fasted and where Satan tempted him.
Lent asks believers to set aside a time each year for similar fasting, marking an intentional season of focus on Christ’s life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection.
Lent concludes on Holy Saturday on April 16, 2022 the day before Easter.
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