An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Philippines (CBCP) is certain that many faithful will attend Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten Season.

Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Southwest Luzon Regional Representative of the CBCP, said they are happy with the recent decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) allowing 50 percent capacity for religious gatherings in areas under the general community quarantine which took effect on Monday.

“It means that many people will be able to attend our religious services. As we all know, we will be celebrating Ash Wednesday, and the Lenten Season begins. So filling up our churches to 50 percent is a good development, as more people will be able to participate in our religious services,” the Pasig bishop said in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas on Tuesday.

Vergara added that the recommendation of the CBCP to sprinkle ashes on the head of the faithful will be implemented in the diocese.

Meanwhile, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive director of the CBCP-Permanent Committee on Public Affairs (PCPA), said the celebration of Ash Wednesday reminds the people that they are mortal.

“Ash Wednesday reminds us of our mortality. Indeed, everything in life has an end. Even this pandemic will end,” he said in a statement.

He added that the occasion’s significance is not just about death.

“But, returning to the Lord doesn’t only mean dying. It also means conversion, turning once again to God who is lord of life,” the CBCP official added.

Secillano added that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic will also remind the faithful to “find their way back to God and embrace Him more deeply and lovingly.”

Ash Wednesday marks the 40-day Lenten Season. (PNA)