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Ash Wednesday Ushers In Lent

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 7, 2008

The season of Lent began Wednesday, and many Christians, especially Catholics, are observing 40 days of sacrifice before Easter. Lent represents a time when Jesus Christ is said to have fasted in the desert for 40 days.

"Lent offers us a time to prepare and reflect on the great Easter mystery," states the Web site of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, "that 'God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.'"

Lent lasts from Ash Wednesday through sundown Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

Wednesday's services included imposition of ashes during which participants are asked to "turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." Ashes placed on the forehead remind people they come from the earth and "to dust you will return."

Many Catholics give up something such as sweets, chocolate or smoking during Lent as an act of self-denial. The church also encourages members to do good unto others and to reflect. Some parishes, such as St. Thomas Aquinas in New Port Richey, participate in Operation Rice Bowl, in which money is donated and prayers said to aid the needy in other countries as well as the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

A staff report

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