“By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”- Genesis 3:19
Filipino Catholics trooped to churches have their foreheads applied with ash in the shape of a cross to mark Ash Wednesday as a reminder of their mortality and to live a life guided by the teachings of God.
Ash Wednesday, observed 46 days before Easter Sunday (March 31), is the beginning of Lent, a time of deep reflection of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for mankind.
This year’s Ash Wednesday coincided with Valentine’s Day, which is a perfect reminder that amidst the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, we should not forget the basic message of love for our fellowmen.
Photos and video taken at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Baclaran, Parañaque city by Bullit Marquez for VERA Files.