Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez, the new apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, said they are expecting a big crowd for the scheduled Masses in all parishes.
“Lent is a time for prayer, penance, fasting and almsgiving. The Lenten season is an opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with God,” he said.
Jimenez said Lent is also a special time for prayer.
This year’s program is called “Come Back to Life” which has the theme “Matrimony: The sacrament of enduring love.”
Jimenez said the focus of this year’s observance is on marriage as a sacrament.
“The Lenten season, in general, focuses on one’s conversion and growing spiritually,” he said.
The important message of the church to its members is to “remain faithful to God as God has always been faithful to us.”
Jimenez said devotees should consider the challenges they are facing as opportunities to grow in faith.
Today, Mt. Carmel Cathedral will celebrate Masses at 6 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 6 p.m., which will include the “imposition of ashes.”
During the Lenten season, there will be Stations of the Cross scheduled at all churches, Jimenez said.
They will also have an annual retreat known as “Back to Life.”
The details of the retreat will be announced later.
