“REMEMBER you are dust and to dust you will return,” these were the words uttered as ashes were applied to the foreheads of thousands of worshippers across Guyana, as both young and old turned out in their thousands yesterday to be a part of the traditional observance to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. 

At the St. Theresa Catholic Church in Campbellville, Georgetown, many adults and children began their day at the 07:00hrs service. While at the historic St George’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam, the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals respectively, services were held at noon and at 17: 00hrs. These services saw hundreds of persons who work and

attend schools in the surrounding areas join members of the congregation in worship.

Fr. John Persaud presided over the services at the Brickdam Cathedral, while the Anglican bishop of Guyana, Bishop Cornel Jerome Moss presided at the St. George’s Cathedral.
Bishop Moss in his brief address to those present urged them to consider giving up permanently whatever it was they were giving up during the Lenten season. He stated that if they believed that what they were giving up for lent will make them better persons during that period, then they should consider making a permanent change for the better. He also urged them to be part of the daily midday services at the historic Cathedral.
Lent is a period when Christians engage in a period of penance, self-denial and alms-giving. The period will conclude at Easter. During this period, special services are held in various churches throughout Guyana.