SHILLONG/TURA: Members of the Catholic Church in Meghalaya observed Ash Wednesday, which marked the beginning of the 40-day Season of Lent that culminates in Easter on April 16.
For Western churches, Lent begins every year on Ash Wednesday, the day after Shrove Tuesday.
Lent is a time when Christians, especially Catholics, prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During Ash Wednesday church service, priests lightly rub the sign of the Cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshippers.
The ashes are prepared from the palm branches blessed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday.
The Season of Lent, besides symbolising the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, also recalls Christ’s 40 days and nights alone in the Judean Desert when he was tempted by Satan.
The Lent season lasts for 46 days, but Sundays are not included because each one is seen as a “mini-Easter” celebrating Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
All Catholic churches in the capital city Shillong were packed and in many churches extra seating arrangements had to be made outside the building to accommodate people on Wednesday.
In Garo Hills, church bells chimed in different parts to welcome faithful to partake in the observance of Ash Wednesday.
Hundreds of faithful in Tura flocked to attend the evening service at the Cathedral Church in RC Road, Sacred Heart Church in Chandmari, St. Luke Church in Walbakgre and Our Lady of Rosary Church in Araimile.
