Mangaluru: Catholics begin Lenten season with Ash Wednesday observance

Mangaluru: Catholics begin Lenten season with Ash Wednesday observance

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 19, 2026: Catholics across the coastal belt began the Lenten season on Wednesday with the observance of Ash Wednesday. Special Masses were held in churches, where ashes were placed on the foreheads of the faithful as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance.

At the Bishop’s House in Kodialbail, Bishop Rt Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha presided over the Ash Wednesday Mass. In his homily, he reminded the congregation that humans are formed from dust and urged them to renounce sinful ways and walk in the path of Jesus Christ. He encouraged the faithful to dedicate the Lenten season to prayer, sacrifice and spiritual renewal.

Senior clergy of the diocese, including Monsignor Maxim L Noronha, Maxim Rosario and Rupesh Madtha, were present at the service. The bishop administered ashes to priests and devotees during the ceremony. Similar observances were held in churches across the diocese, witnessing significant participation from the Christian community.

Lent begins with fasting

To mark the commencement of Lent, Catholics observed fasting on Ash Wednesday. While many devotees fasted throughout the day, others skipped one or two meals as an act of sacrifice.

The Lenten season will span the next 40 days, a period during which celebratory events are avoided. Emphasis is placed on prayer and meditating on the Way of the Cross. Many Christians abstain from non-vegetarian food, and some also fast every Friday during this time.

Lent will culminate with the observance of the Last Supper, Good Friday and Easter.