Ash Wednesday is one of the most important days in the Philippines as it marks the beginning of the Lenten Season in the Catholic-majority country.
Filipino Catholics attend mass and receive ashes made from the burned palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday on their foreheads in the sign of the cross.
Lenten Season is a time for Filipinos to reflect and pray while waiting for Easter.
One of the most religious personalities in the country, Arnold Clavio didn’t forget to remind his fans of the purpose of Ash Wednesday.
“Today on Ash Wednesday we begin the season of Lent. May the ashes inspire us to do good whenever we could because our time in this pilgrimage is finite and shall end as God desires.” Clavio said.
“To dust, we shall return. And may the Cross imposed on our heads impose in our hearts the love which God has for us thru His Son Lord Jesus Christ. We are called to embrace our crosses. They are burdens but beautiful burdens.” he added.
It can be recalled that Clavio was a follower of the Catholic faith and almost became a priest before becoming a journalist.
“Highschool palang ako tini-train na ako sa buhay seminaryo, so during that time ‘yun nga ano ako, praying the rosary, attending mass everyday, ‘yun ang naging buhay ko noong high school hanggang sa maging active ako na sakristan,” Clavio narrated.
“Pero after nung highschool na ako, noong nag-apply na ako maging seminarista, na-reject ako,” he added.
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However, he was being criticized for his opinions and also because of his alleged relationship with former singer Sarah Balabagan in the past.