SHILLONG: Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a season marked by repentance, fasting and reflection.
The 40-day period represents Jesus’ time of temptation in the wilderness where he fasted and prayed and the Satan tempted him. During this season, the believers focus on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.
On this day churches all over the world and the country begin this first day of lent when the priest smears the ash on the forehead of Christians with a cross sign as reminder that we are created from dust and to dust we shall return.
Many of the churches in Shillong observed this day in great numbers.
This season is a call to share in the suffering of Christ by giving up sinfulness and walk in the light of love and service.
(Write-up and photograph contributed by Savitha Maria Lobo, a student of St Anthony’s College)
