THE Philippines, a nation of more than 110 million people, and other countries across the globe, where the Christian faith is professed, mark “Ash Wednesday” next month.

This year, Christians, particularly members of the Roman Catholic Church, celebrate “Ash Wednesday,” otherwise known as “Day of Ashes,” on March 2, which is 17 days away.

One of the most important dates on the liturgical calendar, “Ash Wednesday” falls on the first day of the so-called “Lenten Season,” a period of fasting and prayer.

“Ash Wednesday” always falls 46 days before Jesus Christ’s resurrection on “Easter Sunday” after his death on “Good Friday” and burial on “Black Saturday.”

Actually, it is traditional to save the palm fronds used during the previous Palm Sunday celebration, the first day of the “Holy Week” in the Christian calendar.

Throughout the world, Christians will mark on ” Palm Sunday” the blessing and procession of palms, which commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

It is traditional to save the palm branches from the previous “Palm Sunday” service to burn to produce ashes.

“Ang abo ng mga palaspas ay gagamitin sa susunod na selebrasyon ng “Ash Wednesday,” according to an aging Roman Catholic Church lay minister.

In the view of the millions of Christians all over the world, including Filipinos, “Ash Wednesday” should remind man that there is life after death.

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