Written by Kurt Ivan Uno Mendoza
UB Chapel, Baguio City | March 5, 2025 – The day solemnly began in observance of Ash Wednesday at the university chapel, filling the place with students, faculty, and staff members celebrating the first day of the Lenten season. Rev. Fr. Berlynden Dao-anis, who guided the faithful in prayer and reflection, oversaw the traditional imposition of ashes on the members of the community.
Ash Wednesday, the day that begins Lent, 46 days before Easter Sunday, is a major feast in the Christian calendar reflecting the ideas of repentance, humility and a deep commitment to faithful living. The reminder of human mortality and the summons to abandon sin. The ashes were made from burning the palms of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, and were blessed and given to attendees as the ashes were crossed on their foreheads and the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel” were said.
A Call to Spiritual Renewal
In his homily, Fr. Dao-anis stressed the significance of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, the three Lenten pillars. He called the congregation to use this time as a time of spiritual renewal and deeper communion with God.
“The Lenten season is a journey of transformation. It is a specified time to introspect, to acknowledge our deficiencies, to endeavor to reform to become better human beings through acts of love and mercy,” he said.
Fr. Dao-anis also stressed self-discipline and sacrifice, urging participants to perform charity works, self-examination and service to others as manifestations of faith.
A Community in Faith
The somber celebration at the UB Chapel offered a meaningful opportunity for students and staff to take a moment out of their routines and relate to their faith. Between classes, many students expressed their gratitude at being able to partake in the sacred tradition.
For Dianne Delizo, a second-year nursing student, the observance was a time of deep reflection. “Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday was a great way to start my Lenten journey. It grounded me by reminding me of the true meaning of Lent and how important this season is to my spiritual growth. It reminded me of my calling as a Catholic Christian, to desire union with Christ on the Cross, to learn how to love as He loves.” she said.
Some student assistants also took part in the event, seeing the occasion as a crucial reminder of their spiritual responsibilities. Israle Velasco, a student assistant from OSA, said “As I attend the mass, I ask for a sign to our God, then he gave me, father said in the mass that it is the day for us to reflect and have deeper connections to our God, so it’s a sign for me to continue what life that God gave me.”
Start of the Lenten Journey
Officially ushering the Lenten season in, the University of Baguio reminded its members of the need to maintain their prayer services, reflection and deed of charity for the remaining weeks. UB’s events included Stations of the Cross, confession services, Holy Week preparations and other faith activities aimed at enhancing the spirituality of collective members.
By far, Ash Wednesday is one of the holiest days in the Christian belt, a day that reminds the faithful of the impermanence of life and the call to conversion and renewal. For this year’s observance, the University of Baguio renewed its commitment as an institution that hones not only academic excellence but also creates a wholesome environment conducive to spiritual and moral growth.
