The chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cebu, Monsignor Renato Beltran, led a ritual of the burning and blessing of old palm fronds for Ash Wednesday.

Beltran prayed that the burning of old palm fronds would serve to purify Christians.

“Burning these branches recognizes the victory of the fire of God’s love which purifies,” Beltran said in a prayer.

Roman Catholic churches all over the country have performed the ritual for Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

In the City of Talisay, the Lenten season opened with a Holy Mass at the Santa Teresa de Avila in Barangay Poblacion.

The Holy Mass was attended by students and teachers, and other staff members of the Talisay City College.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Miguelito Sarmago, officiating priest of Santa Teresa de Avila Parish, said that as a Roman Catholic, skipping attendance in the Holy Mass on Ash Wednesday does not exempt one from fasting, prayers, and corporal works of mercy.

The only persons exempted from fasting are senior citizens, persons of minor ages, and those suffering from illnesses that make full meals necessary.

Sarmago said that fasting is not only limited to food intake but includes other aspects of life.

He has reminded believers that attendance to Holy Masses is the highest form of prayer. 

One of the Mass attendees, Des Mediano, said that it is during the Lenten season that man is reminded to return to God with all his heart.

Meanwhile, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said, in his message to the Roman Catholic community, to pray fervently for change of heart and renewal.

“Buhaton nato kini diha sa tinguha nga ang atong pag-ampo usa ka tinud-anay nga pagpanuktok, sa pagpangayo og grasya sa kabag-ohan sa kinabuhi,” Palma said.