February 18 marks Ash Wednesday, and for many, it\u2019s the start of a meaningful season of reflection. 23ABC spoke with members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church on what the day means to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great reminder to all of us that we are nothing without god in our lives,\u201d said Parishioner Doreen Wagner.<\/p>\n
Parishioners like Doreen Wagner say observing Ash Wednesday allows them to rebuild the strength in their faith.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a centuries-old tradition embraced by millions worldwide, uniting people in reflection and devotion.<\/p>\n
Nelson Diaz, Seminarian for the Roman Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno says Ash Wednesday reminds him of a latin phrase meaning \u2018remember death\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause as we do the ashes, as we apply the ashes to the forehead we say you are dust and to dust you shall return and it\u2019s to remember our own mortality,\u201d said Diaz.<\/p>\n
Marking the start of Lent, Ash Wednesday continues into 40 days of fasting, prayer, as well as acts of charity. Which is exactly what Samuel Duran intends to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people kind of look at abstinence and that sort of thing but what I\u2019m trying to do is maybe see what I can do as oppose to abstaining from things maybe I can do some other good things you know,\u201d said Parishioner Samuel Duran.<\/p>\n
As people lined up to get their crosses it wasn\u2019t just adults, but children and even babies, taking the step of spiritual renewal as families.<\/p>\n
For many, Ash Wednesday isn\u2019t just an event, it\u2019s a chance to slow down, and commit to new growth.<\/p>\n
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