By Ferdinand Patinio/PNA
MANILA — The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the faithful to join activities in line with the Lenten season.
“My brothers and sisters let us avail the season of grace during Lent so that we would be really prepared into the joyous season of Easter,” CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas Friday.
“This is a season that would prepare us deep in our hearts for the coming celebration of Easter, the Paschal mystery, the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus that brought us salvation,” the Davao archbishop added.
At the same time, Valles encouraged the people to attend Ash Wednesday masses on March 6, which marks the start of the Lenten season.
“The imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday remind us the need of conversion, the need to go back to the Lord, the grace of conversion and the grace of forgiveness and mercy of God,” he added.
During the 40-day Lent, the 1.2 billion Catholics all over the world are reminded to fast and abstain to commemorate the sacrifices of Jesus Christ.
Likewise, they are asked to practice the corporal works of mercy, such as to feed those who are starving, visit the sick and prisoners, bury the dead, give water to those who are thirsty and accept the homeless.
The Lenten season ends on Easter Sunday (April 21).
