By Bryan Manabat
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Variety News Staff
CATHOLICS across the Northern Marianas gathered at churches on Wednesday for Ash Wednesday services, marking the beginning of the Lenten season with prayers, reflection, and the traditional distribution of ashes.
Parishes on Tinian, Rota, and Saipan — including Mount Carmel Cathedral in Chalan Kanoa, Kristo Rai Church in Garapan, San Antonio Church, San Roque Church, and other chapels — held morning and evening Masses. Clergy reminded the faithful that Lent is a 40‑day period of repentance, sacrifice, and preparation leading up to Easter.
At San Jose Church, parishioners received ashes on their foreheads in the sign of the cross, a symbol of human mortality and a call to spiritual renewal. Similar scenes played out across the island as families, students, government workers, and visitors attended services throughout the day.
In his early Wednesday morning homily, San Jose Parish Priest Enrico S. Nacorda emphasized humility, charity, and returning to one’s faith.
“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Repent and believe in the Gospel,” Nacorda said. “Three things are important during these 40 days — the pillars of the Church. First, we have prayer; second, fasting; and third, almsgiving.”
He also reminded parishioners of the day’s fasting obligations. “Remember, today you can only eat one full meal when you receive ashes on your forehead. And remember, every Friday you cannot eat meat. Fasting is disciplining your body. God wants us to discipline our bodies because a disciplined body, my dear brothers and sisters, is always pleasing to God.”
Many churches also encouraged parishioners to participate in Lenten traditions such as fasting, abstinence on Fridays, and acts of service.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most widely observed days in the Catholic calendar. In the CNMI, where Catholicism remains the largest religious tradition, participation is typically strong.
Lent continues through Holy Week, which culminates in Easter Sunday on April 12.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
