Catholics called to remember God's kindness amid difficulties ahead of Lent

A day before the Lenten season starts, Catholics on Tuesday were urged to remember God’s kindness even amid life’s many challenges.

During the Eucharistic celebration at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church, following the rite of burning of old blessed palms, Vice Rector and Parochial Vicar Fr. Marion Brian Maquiraya reminded the faithful that there are good and bad experiences in life.

“Bagama't maraming mga pagsubok, maraming mga kailangang pagdaanan sa buhay, hindi naman lahat puro ganun (low). May mga highs din naman,” Maquiraya said.

(Although there are many trials, many things to go through in life, not everything is like that (lows). There are also highs.)

“May mga pagkakataon na naranasan natin yung dakilang pagmamahal ng Panginoon. Balikan natin iyon. Tumanaw sa ating mga puso,” he added.

(There are times when we have experienced the great love of the Lord. Let's look back on that. Look into our hearts.)

The rite of burning blessed palms is practiced in Catholic communities in the Philippines in preparation for Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

The ashes collected from burning old, blessed palms will be used on Ash Wednesday.

The blessed ashes are placed in the form of a cross on the forehead, as is done in the Philippines.

Ashes could also be sprinkled on the head, a custom followed in Rome and practiced in the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Fr. Earl Gabriel S. Tan, Imus diocese's Diocesan Lay Formation Office priest collaborator.

Citing the book of Job in the Old Testament, Tan said receiving the ashes is a “form of humility.”

“You humble yourself before God. So, very symbolic yung paglalagay ng ashes [So, the imposition of ashes is very symbolic.],” Tan said.

He reminded Catholics that in observing Lent, it is important to reflect on one’s actions and relationship with God and to anticipate Easter. — BAP, GMA Integrated News