Kota Kinabalu: More than 1,500 worshippers gathered at St Simon Catholic Church Likas to mark Ash Wednesday, the start of the Lenten season in the Catholic Church.
The Mass at the Likas parish was led by newly-appointed rector Rev Fr Michael Modoit and concelebrated by former parish rector Rev Fr Cosmas Lee.
In his homily, Fr Michael reminded parishioners of the significance of Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence observed by Catholics worldwide. He said the imposition of ashes serves as a reminder of human mortality and the need for repentance.
“Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” he said, urging the faithful to reflect on their spiritual lives and renew their commitment to the Gospel.
Fr Michael explained that Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert and is a sacred period of grace, prayer and self-denial. He called on parishioners to deepen their prayer life, practise fasting and perform acts of charity with humility and sincerity.
He emphasised that repentance should not be an outward display but an inner conversion rooted in faith and love. Lent, he added, is a time for reconciliation with God and for strengthening one’s spiritual journey.
Referring to the recent Lenten message of Pope Leo, Fr Michael reminded the congregation to keep God at the centre of their lives and not be distracted by daily concerns.
He encouraged worshippers to use the season to reflect on Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, and to renew their faith as they begin the 40-day journey toward Easter.
