Lagos  – Catholics all over the world will on Wednesday mark this year’s Ash Wednesday, signifying the commencement of the 40-day Lenten Season.

This was announced in a statement on Monday by Msgr. Gabriel Osu, spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos.

“Ash Wednesday ushers in the Lenten Season characterised by penance, reflection and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday,” the cleric said in the statement.

Osu said that on Ash Wednesday, the Catholic faithful would receive ashes on their foreheads with a mark of the “sign of the cross” as a reminder of their sinful nature.

“Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the church and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.

“The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year; christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense.

“The ashes symbolise penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts,” he said.

Osu urged Christians to take advantage of the season to draw nearer to God and seek for His mercy and forgiveness, adding that Christians are obliged to “fast, pray and abstain from heavy meals and other bad habits, as well as give alms.

“Lent is a period of conversion, self denial, renewal, reconciliation, change and growth, it is about denying self for the life of others,” he said.

The cleric noted that the Ash Wednesday activities would include the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the distribution of ashes to all faithful. (NAN)