Ash Wednesday
By @acelawrites
@acelawrites (19273)
Philippines
March 6, 2019 2:33pm CST
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, so we also went to a nearby church to be part of the Catholic rites for that day.
I love that church which lies below big narra, mango, and other native trees with birds singing up there on the branches as if they were also singing hymns praising God. I also love siting on the benches outside the church but you can still see the Priest at the altar through the television sets installed at various places outside the church.
After the Mass, the rites were held at the church yard with people lining up and the Priests put signs of the cross on their foreheads and saying "From dust thou art, to dust you shall return."
Ash Wednesday also marked the start of the 40 days (every Friday) fasting until Good Friday on April 19.
11 people like this
11 responses
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
7 Mar 19
It is not so strictly observed by people these days; anyway, it's just an option if they are capable of doing it.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458230)
• Switzerland
8 Mar 19
@acelawrites As a very old habit I never eat meat on Fridays and I continue with this habit. I have never been allowed to fast because I have very low blood pressure, if I skip a meal I risk to faint.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
8 Mar 19
@LadyDuck it is not strictly enforced; only for people who are healthy or are willing to do it. I hope you'll be fine.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (325815)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Mar 19
@acelawrites That is really good. I'm pleased for your country that people like to worship.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
7 Mar 19
Filipinos are quite religious. There are so many churches here and they are always full of people.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
7 Mar 19
Yes, it is such a nice experience to see people expressing humility by having that symbolism.
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
6 Mar 19
I didn't get ashes today but I am a practicing Catholic and won't be eating any meat today. I am over the age for fasting.
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
6 Mar 19
It is automatic for us who are aware of what we should eat to be healthy. We rarely eat meat or those with lots of protein in it.
1 person likes this
@SophiaMorros (5046)
• Belews Creek, North Carolina
6 Mar 19
I thought lent was 49 days of fasting every day and the Friday fast was each week the rest of the year. Am I misinformed?
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
7 Mar 19
It is every Friday starting this week including Ash Wednesday.
@florelway (23141)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
6 Mar 19
I only had a full meal at dinner time with fish and rice. I survived the day with only water and some bread in the morning. Normally I would crave for a good lunch but surprisingly I did not have the urge, I was at a mall at around 2 pm to the welcoming sight of turks, chowking, mang inasal etc, but I didn't have the appetite lol.
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
6 Mar 19
They say intermittent fasting is good for those trying to lose some weight. I also do it sometimes.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
6 Mar 19
I don't fast - hope it goes well for you
2 people like this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
7 Mar 19
I could not do it strictly, but we just avoid eating beef and pork.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
6 Mar 19
It was the second time I had it; one was so long ago, and now, I felt the urge to go to that very beautiful church with lots of trees around it.
@DianneN (246905)
• United States
8 Mar 19
@acelawrites I understand. That' s okay, too.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19273)
• Philippines
8 Mar 19
Thank you, but we could not strictly do it for health reasons too.
1 person likes this
