President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday enjoined the Catholic faithful to renew their commitment to serve people in observance of the Lenten season.

The President made the call as he joined the commemoration of Ash Wednesday, which signals the start of Lent.

“We pray for our nation’s quiet reflection this Ash Wednesday,” Marcos said in a Facebook post. “As we prepare for the season of Lent, may the love of Christ inspire us to endure and faithfully continue our service to others.”

In another Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) hoped for a solemn celebration of Ash Wednesday.

The PCO said the occasion serves as a reminder for Catholic believers to pray and fast.

“Sa pagsisimula ng kwaresma, ang araw na ito ay pagkakataon para magdasal at mag-ayuno bilang tanda ng ating pagkilala at pakikiisa sa sakrispisyo ni Hesukristo (As the Lenten season begins, this day is an opportune time to pray and fast as a way of acknowledging Jesus Christ’s sacrifice),” it said.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season. It is observed by Christians as a holy day of fasting and praying.

It came from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting using ashes of the palm fronds blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year.

Churches are now allowing the putting of ashes on the foreheads of Catholics on Ash Wednesday, a tradition that was temporarily halted during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. (PNA)