Catholic faithful mark Ash Wednesday

Catholic faithful’s today (Wednesday) celebrate the Ash Wednesday one of the most popular and important holy days in the Catholic liturgical calendar.

In Kikuyu, faithful from St Ann Muthure Catholic Church started the celebration that marks the beginning of the 46-day fast early Wednesday morning.

Father Josephat Njenga of Kikuyu Parish who led the mass asked the faithful to adhere to the changes during this period that include minimal celebrations, further urging them to be attending the way of cross every Friday that symbolizes the crucification of Jesus Christ.

Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, Priests administer ashes during Mass and the Christians are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting.

The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head, which symbolise the dust from which God created man.