SIMI VALLEY : Parishioners Observe Start of Lent Season

Catholics across Ventura County on Wednesday observed the traditional beginning of the Lenten season, a time designated for fasting, prayer and increased charity.

As part of the ritual for Ash Wednesday, Catholic parishioners received ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross to signify their intent to participate in self-reflection and discipline that are part of the season.

“We come from dust and we go to dust,” said Anthony Kiskis, a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima Church in Simi Valley. “This is the day to think about leaving something good before you leave” the Earth.

Protestants and members of other Western churches also observe Ash Wednesday, but most do not follow the ash-marking ritual or strict rules on fasting.

Msgr. Michael Bunny at St. Rose said the tradition of marking the forehead with ash grew from the historical practice of covering sinners with ash when they repented and promised to follow the teachings of the church. The ashes are the remains of palm fronds that were burned on Palm Sunday of the previous year.

“The ashes on the forehead are an indication of a person’s willingness to turn away from sin and follow the Gospel,” Bunny said.

Catholics traditionally fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstain from eating meat on Fridays during the 40 days of Lent, Bunny said. But fasting does not necessarily apply only to food, he added.

“People who have a loose tongue might try to fast from that,” Bunny said.

The idea is to focus on self-improvement and helping others as a way to become closer to the ideals of Christ’s life, Bunny said. The observance of Lent ends with Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.