The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
Thousands throng churches to mark Ash Wednesday, 18 February 2010
PETALING JAYA: Thousands of Christians thronged churches throughout the country to commemorate Ash Wednesday, which signifies the start of the traditional 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penitence before Easter.
Most churches conducted three services for the day, starting from as early as 6.30am.
Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam celebrated mass in his chapel within the grounds of his residence in Jalan Bukit Nanas in Kuala Lumpur.
Rev Father Simon Yong, parish priest of the Church of St Francis Xavier, presided over mass for thousands of parishioners attending services at the church yesterday.
Sign of repentance: Father Simon Yong placing ashes on the forehead of Sean Gomes during the Ash Wednesday mass at the Church of St Francis Xavier in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
He said the fasting period of Lent should be a season of prayer, fasting and alms-giving.
Over at the St Ignatius Church in Kelana Jaya, there was a near full house for the first mass at 6.30am.
Ash Wednesday got its name from the practice of placing ash on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance.
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