Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season
February 22nd, 2012 - 9:03 pm ICT by Aishwarya BhattLos Angeles, Feb 22 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. The period is one of the most solemn on the calendar of Christians. Fasting and praying is encouraged during the period.
The Lent is meant to be a time for reflection on the Christian life. The end of the period marks the beginning of the Easter festivities which is used to mark the crucifixion and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST.
The assistant director of Faith Formation at The Church of St. Mary, Brian Desmarais, explained to reporters that, “Traditionally, we give up something and go without things that are good and that we have grown accustomed to in our lives. That plays out in many different areas of our lives, including food…It’s a chance for people to get together in the parish and socialize and get to talk to each other.”
Although the period is observed by many Christian denominations, the Catholic Church has some extra measures. During the period, meat and certain foods are not consumed by Catholics on certain days.
Giving of alms is also encouraged during the Lenten season. Christians believe that they use the occasion to show their own sacrifice as they wait to mark the ultimate sacrifice that JESUS made to mankind.
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