Hyderabad: Christians observe Ash Wednesday with solemn masses

Christians in Hyderabad observed Ash Wednesday with special prayers and masses, marking the start of Lent, a 40-day period of repentance and fasting leading up to Easter.

Hyderabad: Christians across the city marked Ash Wednesday with solemn prayers and special masses, marking the beginning of the season of Lent, a 40-day period of repentance, prayer and fasting leading up to Easter.

Churches across the city witnessed a steady flow of devotees from the early hours, with special prayers and masses offered.

At St Mary’s Basilica in Secunderabad, masses were offered with large participation by the faithful.

Archbishop of Hyderabad, Cardinal Poola Anthony, led the solemn mass at the basilica. During the service, he marked the sign of the cross with ashes on the foreheads of worshippers, symbolising repentance and spiritual renewal.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the ritual of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of the faithful. As the ashes are applied, clergy recite either of the Biblical exhortations: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ritual serves as a reminder of human mortality and the call to turn away from sin.

In many churches, ashes were either gently sprinkled over the heads of worshippers or traced in the form of a cross on their foreheads, a visible sign of humility and penance.

Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday, is observed by Christians worldwide as a time of reflection, sacrifice and preparation for the celebration of Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.