Bethlehem: The Latin Patriarchate School in Bethlehem, celebrated the Ash Wednesday Mass marking the beginning of the forty-day Lenten season. The Mass was presided over by Father Ibrahim Shomali, assisted by Deacon Firas Sryani, with the attendance of all high school students from the sixth to twelfth grades. The ceremony took place at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in the city, and was attended by members of the administrative and teaching staff of the school. Also present were employees of the General Administration of Latin Patriarchate Schools and Dr. Faisal Hajazin, who would preside over the Ash Wednesday Mass for the elementary school later. Students and teachers from the Shepherd School in Bethlehem also participated.
In his sermon, Father Ibrahim emphasized the significance of fasting for Christians, stemming from giving, prayer, and fasting. He urged individuals to focus on their fellow human beings and extend help to those in need during the Lenten season.
Following the sermon, Father Ibrahim and the attending priests administered the imposition of ashes, reminding the congregation of their mortality—'Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return."
