HARVEY, Mich. (WZMQ) – Wednesday, February 22nd, marked the first day of lent, Ash Wednesday. A well-known Catholic holy day of prayer and fasting.
Fat Tuesday is the last night of eating or drinking before giving up something for lent. Father Timmothy Ekaitis commented, “I think it’s an important journey to remember in our lives is to back out and be self-reflective”. The 40-day tradition involves giving up something you might typically indulge in (i.e. candy, pizza, T.V., etc.)
Father Ekaitis with the Saint Louis Catholic Church said there is a lot of importance in taking a step back and appreciating what life presents. “You know I think following the pandemic I think you see a lot of people who are far more generous”, continued Ekaitis.
The Saint Louis Catholic Church held one of its Ash Wednesday mass Wednesday morning. “Really lent for us isn’t a whole lot different than on a regular basis, other than we focus more on the sacrifice that Christ made for us”, said Arlene Slitor, Saint Louis Church Attendee.
As we continue to walk through life, Father Ekaitis noted that everyone faces the need for course correction. “I think lent gives us that idea. It doesn’t make us feel bad about ourselves that we’re sinners or maybe that we’ve strayed but rather the potential that’s within us and what we’re called to”