By Zoila Palma: Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and invites Christians to make themselves fully available to God through repentance and spiritual renewal.
Observed this year today, the day encourages the faithful to reflect on how they can “turn back to God.”
The ashes placed on the forehead during Mass or a prayer service serve as a visible reminder of the need for repentance, echoing the biblical calls of John the Baptist and Jesus to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
The tradition is deeply rooted in Scripture, where ashes symbolize interior repentance and spiritual awareness, as seen in passages from Job, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Jonah.
The use of ashes dates back to early Christianity, when they were given after confession as a sign of repentance.
Catholics have observed the practice on Ash Wednesday since the time of St. Gregory the Great, and in 1091 Pope Urban II encouraged the entire Church to adopt the custom.
Today, most churches mark the occasion with Mass or prayer services, welcoming all who wish to receive ashes and begin the Lenten journey.
The post Ash Wednesday 2026 begins Lenten season of repentance and renewal appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent and invites Christians to make themselves fully available to God through repentance and spiritual renewal. Observed this year today, the day encourages the faithful to reflect on how they can “turn back to God.” The ashes placed on the forehead during Mass or a
The post Ash Wednesday 2026 begins Lenten season of repentance and renewal appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.