Marcos' Ash Wednesday message: Continue serving others

BY Argyll Cyrus Geducos
Feb 22, 2023 02:52 AM

At a glance

  • A young girl gets ash daubed on her forehead along Kamuning Road in Quezon City on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Mark Balmores)

  • President Marcos hopes Filipinos would be inspired by Christ to continue to be of service.

  • This is the first time in two years that Filipinos could celebrate Ash Wednesday physically following restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. joined Filipino Christians in commemorating Ash Wednesday, expressing hope that the public would be inspired to continue to be of service.

Marcos said this as Christians worldwide celebrate Ash Wednesday on Feb. 22.

In a Twitter post, the President issued a brief statement for the occasion meant to open Christians to spiritual reflection and connect with God.

"We pray for our nation's quiet reflection this Ash Wednesday," he said.

"As we prepare for the season of Lent, may the love of Christ inspire us to endure and faithfully continue our service to others," he added.

Ash Wednesday takes place around six weeks before Easter Sunday or the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The occasion honors the 40 days Christ spent in the desert by fasting and practicing self-control.

This will be the first time in two years that Filipinos could celebrate Ash Wednesday physically following restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.