Beginning of the Lenten Season: Derebail Parishioners Participate in the Mass on Ash Wednesday

Lent, the penitential preparation for Easter, begins on Ash Wednesday. The 40 days of Lent marks the commemoration of Jesus's days in the desert where he spent 40 days in fasting and prayer before beginning his public ministry. During these 40 days Christians spend time in recollection, repentance and prayer with the belief in their heart that Jesus Christ died for them. Hence, on Ash Wednesday is an important day in the liturgical calendar.

This year Ash Wednesday was observed on the 2nd of March. Derebail Parish had two masses, where Rev.Fr.Austin Peres celebrated the mass at 6.15 in the morning and Rev.Fr.Gerald Pinto offered the mass at 5.30 in the evening.

During both these masses, the homily sited the importance of the Lenten Season and how we Catholics could benefit spiritually during this season. This was followed by the blessing of the Ash that was later on spread in cross pattern on the foreheads of the parishioners. The words, "From dust you came and from dust you will return," were said when the Ash was spread. These words remind us of the brevity of human life and the importance of repentance.The hymns sung by the parish choir added to solemnity of the service.

The parishioners were also reminded to participate in the Human Chain- a silent protest against the atrocities towards Christians and other minorities. This was followed by the final blessing.

Ash Wednesday is one such day among the important days in the Liturgical Calendar where people gather in large numbers. The church was indeed full for the Ash Wednesday mass. However, covid protocol was followed.

Report by: Ashish Carvalho
Pictures: Simon Pereira