Catholic churches in Negros Occidental today, February 17, marked Ash Wednesday with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Ashes were sprinkled on the heads of the faithful, instead of being placed on their foreheads, to avoid body contact.
Churchgoers also wore masks and observed social distancing.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season leading up to Easter that marks the resurrection of Jesus.
“Ash Wednesday reminds us of our origin – we are dust vivified by the breath of God. It calls us to return to God because when we leave God out of our life, we lose life itself,” Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said.*