Ash Wednesday observed in Central Oregon
Tyson Beauchemin
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Christians marked the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday by receiving traditional ash crosses on their foreheads. The day initiates a 40-day period focused on fasting and repentance.
The season of Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert before he began preaching. Mirroring this, believers often give up specific luxuries or habits to reflect on their repentance. Traditional fasting practices include eating smaller portions and abstaining from meat on Fridays.
During today’s service at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Redmond, ashes in the shape of a cross were applied to the foreheads of the gathering. Pastor Saji Thomas, explained that the mark is a public sign of humility.
“And ashes is not telling that ‘I am a saint’,” Thomas said. “It says that ‘I am a sinner and I am ready to repent.’ So it’s kind of witnessing for others.”
While Ash Wednesday is primarily recognized as a Catholic tradition, several other Christian denominations also observe the day. Father Thomas invited any individuals who wished to participate in the spirit of repentance to receive ashes at the start of Lent.
In addition to traditional fasting, Thomas suggested his congregation make changes to their daily habits. He encouraged participants to reduce their screen time and replace it with prayer time.