Wed Mar 05 10:55:20 UTC 2025: ## Lent Begins in Thanjavur
**THANJAVUR, March 5, 2025** – Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and prayer observed by Christians, commenced today at the Thanjai Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop T. Sagayaraj led the Ash Wednesday Mass, marking the beginning of this significant religious season.
Devotees will participate in special prayers known as the “Way of the Cross,” reflecting on the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. A traditional element of Ash Wednesday involved the burning of palm leaves saved from last year’s Palm Sunday procession. The resulting ash, sanctified by priests, was applied to the foreheads of the faithful. Lent culminates with the celebration of Easter, preceded by Palm Sunday.
First Piper 