KUCHING: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching, Datuk Dr Simon Poh has called on Christians and people of goodwill to embrace the Lenten season with humility, prayer and acts of kindness.
Speaking to Sarawak Tribune after the Ash Wednesday mass, he reminded the faithful that the sign of ashes marked on their foreheads serve as a reminder of “from dust we came, and to dust we shall return”—and the need to depend on God.
“Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten period, a time of spiritual preparation leading up to Good Friday and Easter,” he said.
The English Mass, which began at 7am on Wednesday at St Joseph’s Cathedral, saw thousands of worshipers gathering in the church.
Masses were also held at numerous other churches and chapels throughout the city.
Archbishop Poh urged believers to observe the season through deeper prayer, fasting, penance and almsgiving.
He encouraged the faithful to donate their time and resources, especially money saved from abstinence, to help the poor and needy.
“Eating simply and consuming less can become a blessing for others,” he said, emphasising that acts of generosity bring God’s love and mercy into the world.
He called on all to live out Lent with sincerity, strengthening their relationship with God and fostering friendships with others through kindness and charity.
After Ash Wednesday, Good Friday will be observed on April 18, followed by Easter Sunday on April 20.
