Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, February 17, 1994 TAG: 9402170189
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MONETA LENGTH: Medium
But though tens of thousands may feel they were forced into a premature start on the annual season of penance, many turned out as usual for Ash Wednesday church services.
At Resurrection Catholic Church in Moneta, John Roch continued the lifelong tradition of having his forehead marked with the sign of a cross.
The Rev. Jim Begley and Sister Betty Bagen each dipped a finger in a bowl of wet ashes and drew the cross on about 50 who showed up at the Smith Mountain Lake church at midday.
"This is a season we really look forward to," said Roch, a retired telephone company employee.
Tradition in many Christian denominations calls for members to observe daylight fasting, complete abstinence from meat, or other voluntary acts of denial as incentives to focus on the sacrifice of Christ at the Crucifixion.
It is a 40-day period - Sundays aren't counted - before Easter.
Despite its focus on penitence - acts of contrition for sin - it is a joyfully expectant season as well, Roch said, as Christians look to the celebration of Easter Sunday.
Though he believes he sees fewer people in church now for Ash Wednesday than he did during his childhood in Chicago, Roch said he believes the holiday and the season continue to be significant.
For himself, "I will certainly fast today, and will eat less than usual during the entire season."
He and his wife expect to attend many of the additional services held during the season, including some at Roanoke parishes.
They and many others will participate in services observing the Stations of the Cross.
In some churches, such as St. Andrew's in Roanoke, there is a series of pictures or icons representing events from the time Christ was condemned to death until his burial.
The penitent visit each of the 14 scenes and meditate on the Passion of Christ.
On concluding the Ash Wednesday Mass, the congregation at Resurrection parish was sent out with "a sign that may affect others," Begley said.
They should hope that their "faith is contagious," and that the "mark of our repentance" would be a symbol of hope to the world.
by CNB