President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday enjoined the Filipino faithful to go on a journey of renewing their relationship with God.

Marcos made the call, as he joined the commemoration of Ash Wednesday, which marks the first day of Lent.

“In observing Ash Wednesday, let us all reflect and renew our faith,” he said in a Facebook post.

This year’s observance of Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 14, coinciding with the celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines assistant secretary general Fr. Bryand Restituto on Monday called on the faithful to have a “meaningful date with God” on Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday.

In a homily at the Sta. Maria Goretti Parish in Manila on Wednesday, parish priest Fr. Jason Laguerta urged the Catholic faithful to open their hearts to God and repent for their sins.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season. It is observed by Christians as a holy day of fasting and praying.

It came from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting using ashes of the palm fronds blessed on Palm Sunday of the previous year. (PNA)