Locals in Yuma celebrate Ash Wednesday

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Many locals in Yuma took part in Ash Wednesday.

We spoke with some locals who shared what the symbolic day means to them.

Local Catholic churches hosted mass and prayer services throughout the day for people to come and receive their ashes.

The special day marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, repentance, and preparation according to the religion.

Father Emilio Chapa, the Pastor of St. Francis Assisi Parish in Yuma, says, "The ashes are symbolic and one of the things we say when we put on ashes is 'Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.'"

Dan Nicholls, a Yuma local, says, "It's okay, we know it's on our head. Just know that person is getting ready to go through 40 days of preparation and repentance."

Two locals I spoke with shared what the ashes signify to them.

Caleb Fitschen, also a local, adds, "Remember your death and make your decisions based on the fact that you're going to die rather than this limitless potential and opportunity."

Nicholls adds, "Ashes are a good reminder of life in general and of what our end-time is like. There is this idea that you rise from ashes, so, ashes can be the end but also the beginning."

As part of Lent, those who participate will often give up something such as meat, swearing, or electronics.

Fr. Chapa explains, "It's a sign that we're giving a sacrifice to God. In a sense, we offer this sacrifice so we can draw closer to god and also think about removing sin from our lives."

Nicholls shares, "You can also take things on, so I'm going to try to take on more scripture."

But not only do the adults participate, children and teens find meaning in it too.

"It's such a memorable thing, the ashes themselves, how they look on you, feel, and the words they say are special, you get them once a year so hopefully they remember that throughout their life," explains Nicholls.

Fitschen adds, "I really want my children to be faithful Catholics and do my best to practice the faith, go to mass, and praying when I can."

The 40-day period will last until Easter day which falls this year on Sunday, April 20.