By Leilani G. Adriano
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Feb. 18 (PNA) — On early Wednesday, hundreds of Ilocanos flock to the Saint William Cathedral in Laoag City for the traditional smearing of the cross as the Catholic faithful enter the season of Lent.
The smearing of the cross every Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder for the Ilocano faithful that a man came from dust and to dust he returns.
In Paoay town, a unique observance of Ash Wednesday tradition shines anew with the Fat Tuesday celebration, ending earthly pleasures through a dance showdown and fireworks display in front of the Saint Augustine Church on Tuesday evening as they welcome the beginning of the 40-day Lent of fasting and abstinence.
Using the ashes of burnt leaves, the faithful receive an imprint in their forehead from a priest. Other alternative for burnt leaves can be made from wet, white rice flour called “bellaay.”
Ilocos Norte, also known as the center of Christian mission with its century-old churches is frequently visited by pilgrims.
As a family tradition, many young Ilocanos were told by parents and grandparents to abstain from eating meat every Ash Wednesday and Fridays of the Lent. The symbolic smearing of the cross marks the observance of Lent.
For Bernard Ver of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, he believes that the smearing of the cross is a reminder to the Catholic faithfuls’ belief “From dust we came and to dust we return.”
He said that the Lenten season is a “season of sacrifice” where everybody is invited to reflect and turn to Jesus who sacrificed his life for salvation.
Catholic families in the olden times would go to mass and pray the rosary during Lent.
According to a church historian, Father Danilo Laeda, the Church law obligates Catholics aged 21 to 60 to fast at the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday and again on Good Friday. Canon law states, Catholics 14 and older must also avoid meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during the 40 days of Lent through Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.(PNA)