Overflowing crowds seen at Ash Wednesday Masses

KOTA KINABALU – As in years past, overflowing crowds were seen at Ash Wednesday Masses on 14 Feb 2018 in churches across Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese.

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of Lent.  Its name is derived from the custom of signing the foreheads of the faithful with blessed ashes. Its date depends on the date of Easter. In the early Church, public penitents were liturgically admitted to begin their penance on this day. And when this fell into disuse, from the eighth to the tenth centuries, the general penance of the whole community took place. This was symbolised by the imposition of ashes on the heads of the clergy and laity alike.

There were three Masses at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Karamunsing and two at the sub-parish of the Church of Mary Immaculate Bukit Padang.