Millions of Catholics around the world will start observing the Lent season in two days. This is after the observance of Ash Wednesday where a sign of the cross is drawn on the devotee’s forehead with the use of ash from palm leaves.The lent season falls forty six days prior to Easter including Sundays.
The observation of Lent is through fasting and praying. Catholics from all over the world abstain from eating foods including pork, beef and chicken. This is a way of repenting from their sins. It is also done to show how Jesus abstained from eating food for forty days and nights in the desert.
According to parish administrator for St. Olaf’s Catholic Church Peter Barrett, Ash Wednesday services are the most popular. Barrett said, “Probably the biggest turnout of our year at St. Olaf, particularly.”
When asked why ash is used to draw the crucifix symbol on the forehead Barrett answered, “The ashes are made from the palms from the prior Palm Sunday.”
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