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COLUMBIA — For many Christians around the world, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance in preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter.
In some Christian denominations, church members are encouraged to give up something dear to them as a sign of repentance and sacrifice to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.
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- Columbia churches hold Ash Wednesday services, marking the first day of Lent.
- Deacon Frank Ruggiero blesses Sandy Ruiz during the evening service with the sign of the cross in ashes on her forehead in celebration of Ash Wednesday at the St. Thomas More Parish and Newman Center on Maryland Avenue.
The marking of ashes on worshippers’ foreheads grew out of a public sign of penance for early Christians in first century Rome. Today, it serves as a public reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the need to put things in their life in perspective.
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