Lucknow: The holy season of Lent began on Wednesday with Ash Wednesday services across churches in the city, drawing large congregations for prayers, hymns and the traditional imposition of ashes as a sign of repentance, reflection and spiritual renewal.Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Lenten period leading up to Easter. Christians observe Lent through fasting, penance, prayer and charitable acts. The season includes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ for the atonement of the sins of mankind, known as Good Friday, and ends with a big joyous celebration on Easter Day with His resurrection.At the evening Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, priests placed ashes from the burnt palm or olive branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday on the foreheads of worshippers, remembering that “man has come from dust and unto dust he has to return,” said Chancellor and spokesperson of the Diocese of Lucknow, Donald De Souza.At Assembly of Believers Church (ABC), Aliganj, the congregation joined in worship and hymns. Bible readings were led by senior priest-in-charge Morris Kumar.At ABC, Daliganj, priest-in-charge Parag Wesley delivered a message urging reflection, repentance and sanctification during the Lenten days.
