Lent begins: Ash Wednesday at the CBCPNGSI

Port Moresby: The 18th of February marks Ash Wednesday, the solemn commencement of the Lenten season, a sacred season of preparation leading up to Easter within the Catholic Church. On this day, ashes – made from blessed palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday – are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross. This powerful sign reminds believers of human mortality (“ remember that you are dust” and to dust you shall return) and calls them to repentance, humility, and conversion of heart.

Lent lasts forty days (excluding Sundays), echoing Jesus forty days of fasting and prayer in the desert. It is a time set apart for spiritual renewal, self- examination, and deeper union with God.     

Staff Members of the CBCPNGSI receiving ashes during Ash Wednesday Mass CBCPNGSI, Port Moresby.

During Lent, Catholics are invited – not merely obligated - to live more intentionally through three core practices:

1. Prayer – Deepening one’s relationship with God through more frequent prayer, reflection on scripture, participation in Mass, and spiritual disciplines such as Stations of the Cross.

2. Fasting and self-denial – Practicing moderation and sacrifice (including fasting and abstinence on designated days) to cultivate self-control and solidarity with those who suffer.          

3. Almsgiving and Charity – expressing faith through acts of generosity, justice, and service, especially toward the poor and marginalized.

   
   

Lent is a journey of inner transformation. It calls Catholics and Christians to turn away from sin, renew their faith, and prepare spiritually to celebrate the joy of Christ's resurrection at Easter.

Fr Bernard Selvavatnam (Caritas Papua New Guinea ) celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass at the CBCPNGSI Port Moresby.

Ash Wednesday at the Catholics Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI) was commemorated through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist Mass, celebrated by Fr Bernard Selvavatnam (Caritas Papua New Guinea) and CBC employees.

The readings for this Ash Wednesday Mass emphasized themes of humility and penitence, encouraging the practice of self-discipline and charity throughout Lent. It is a communal act that unites believers in their shared faith and commitment to spiritual growth. The day also prompts individuals to consider their actions and their relationship with others and God, inspiring acts of kindness, generosity, and renewal.

Staff of the CBCPNGSI attending Ash Wednesday Mass at CBCPNGSI Port Moresby

Staff members and all those in attendance are encouraged to observe this Lenten season through fasting, abstinence, and almsgiving. Fr. Bernard challenged those present to reflect on their faith as Christians and as Catholics by posing the question, “Can we truly call ourselves Christians and Catholics if we do not uphold the eucharist faithfully by receiving holy communion?” As we go into the season of Lent, may we all ponder and reflect deeply on this, and on whether we are indeed living a life in service to others and to the church.

 In its essence, Ash Wednesday calls the faithful to humility and repentance, marking the beginning of a sacred journey of spiritual renewal in the Catholic Church.