THE Lent season begins on March 5 as Catholics observe Ash Wednesday — a solemn period of prayer and fasting to prepare for Easter Sunday.

Catholics will once again line up to receive ash on their foreheads in the shape of a cross — a symbol reminding the people that they came from ashes and will return to ashes. This reminder of human mortality is also a call to repentance.

In a statement dated Feb. 6, ahead of his hospitalization, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of living one's life as a constant journey of conversion, choosing to walk in peace and hope aside from one's fellow humans for Lent 2025.

"This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs. May the hope that does not disappoint, the central message of the jubilee, be the focus of our Lenten journey toward the victory of Easter," the Pope said.

Lent in the Philippines

Rev. Fr. Vicente Gabriel Bautista said on March 4 Lent is a "season for giving."

"As we welcome the season of Lent, we are asked to give, are we there to give everything at all?" Bautista said, reminding the public that the season of Lent is a time of "giving our all" to God.

For many Filipinos, Lent is also a time of personal sacrifice. Some choose to give up certain comforts, such as eating meat or a lavish lifestyle, as a way to practice self-discipline.

Aside from personal sacrifices, Lent also serves as a time for families and communities to come together in faith. As this is a season of break, families choose to celebrate this with their loved ones; some participate in traditions such as the Pabasa (chanting of the Passion of Christ) or do Visita Iglesia, visiting seven churches during Holy Week.

These traditions have been passed down through generations and remain deeply embedded in Filipino culture — a way to unite families and strengthen their relationship with God.