Other than fasting, try doing good works, Catholics urged

Catholics start Lenten season today

AN official of the Archdiocese of Cebu urged the faithful to not only abstain or fast but also do good works for the poor during Ash Wednesday today.

Msgr. Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Cebu Archdiocese, reminded the faithful that Ash Wednesday should not just be focused on simple practices, such as fasting and abstinence from eating meat, but also on more spiritual changes.

“Fasting reminds us that we have been too dependent on other things, except God. Whether it’s a simple or com- plicated fascination for such things, let us do away with them as a way to give God a place in our hearts,” Tan said.

While fasting and abstinence are required for Catholics ages 16 to 60, Tan said there are many ways to observe Ash Wednesday.

Tan said the faithful can do mitigated fasting by omitting snacks and any meal outside of the three basic meals daily, or eating one full meal while the rest are just partial meals.

But Tan said that aside from fasting, the faithful can practice corporal and spiritual works of mercy such as observing religious activities or helping the poor and the sick.

Tan reminded the faithful that they should pay attention to this year’s Ash Wednesday since next year is the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in Cebu.

“Foreign delegates who will be attending the IEC will not be here to eat our lechon or swim our beaches. They are here to see how we live our Christian faith in this part of the world,” Tan said.

Ash Wednesday is observed with the faithful having their foreheads marked with ashes. It officially opens the Lenten season.