“You are dust and to dust you shall return.”

These are words recited by priests along with the marking of a cross of ashes on the forehead of believers in the observance of Ash Wednesday.

These words are used to remind worshippers of their mortality, the need for repentance, and the call to return to God.

There are believers, who despite physical challenges, strived to be marked with the cross of ashes at the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.

For example, 81-year-old Rosalind relies the help of a walker to church because of heart complication. Yet she is determined never to miss her church obligation as a Christian.

“Sumusunod tayo sa ating katungkulan bilang Katoliko. Pagpenitensiya kasama sa ating Maykapal,” Rosalind said.

Julyn Mae Begayo, a first-year college student, attended the ceremony during her vacant period.

“Noong last week pa, tiningnan nila ang schedule. Tapos kung may vacant kami na pwede,” Julyn said.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. The Church reminds about fasting and abstinence on Fridays for 40 days. This means reducing portions of food intake and avoiding meat within 40 days.

Aside from fasting in terms of food intake, the Roman Catholic Church has also urged worshippers to do fasting on the use of cellphones, or gadgets that disrupt quality time for prayer and reflection. 

“We remove yung mga apps na makadala sa atin sa kasalanan. Bago tayo matulog at paggising sa umaga, avoid na yan agad ang hawakan natin o magpuyat tayo. Para may oras tayo sa pagdarasal,” said Rev. Fr. Angelo Colada, director of the Commission on Social Communications.

Meanwhile, in Bacolod City, a multitude of believers attended the Holy Mass at San Sebastian Cathedral. One of them is Loraine Bonifacio, who said she woke up early on February 18, 2026 to attend the Mass.

"Special talaga ito. Inaalala natin sa pagdiriwang ng ating pagkilala na nanggaling tayo sa dust, magbabalik tayo sa dust,” Loraine said.

As for Ivan Amar, it is a family tradition to start the Lenten season with reflections on the Passion and Death of the Christ.

“Nakaugalian na kasi lalo na sa aming pamilya. Kailangan magmahalan talaga bago matapos ang buhay na ibinigay ng Maykapal sa atin,” Ivan said.