Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma led the imposition of ashes during the Holy Mass at the Saint Joseph Chapel, Archbishop’s Residence along D. Jakosalem Street, Cebu City on February 14, 2024.

His homily pointed out that the Lenten season is a time for people to know and understand the tremendous love of God despite man's sins and failures; that because of this, man is called to always strive to go back to God. 

“I often repeat, despite many trials and difficulties, life is still beautiful tungod sa atong pagtuo ug pagsalig sa Diyos nga nagdala og kinabuhi natong tanan,” Palma said.

In a press conference earlier, for the “Sugbuswak" (a proposal on the creation of two new archdioceses in Cebu - one in northern Cebu and one in south Cebu), Archbishop Palma shared this Ash Wednesday message.

He stated that the whole idea of the Lenten season is that man needs to repent.

As Ash Wednesday fell on Valentine's Day this year, the more important thing to recognize is that there is God who loves us more than we can imagine. 

“This is a beautiful world despite its imperfections because love reigns supreme,” Palma underscored.