Fort Belvoir, Va. (March 13, 2014) - A pair of Ash Wednesday Catholic services drew more than 700 people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to Woodlawn Chapel, March 5 and encouraged attendees to strive for holiness. Fort Belvoir also sponsored a Protestant Ash Wednesday service in Belvoir Chapel at noon.
All three services honored the beginning of the Lenten Season, a religious holiday characterized by a call for Christians to give up something important to them for 40 days, according to retired Chaplain (Col.) Philip W. Hill, former garrison chaplain. Lent is traditionally described as lasting for 40 days, in commemoration of the 40 days which, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent fasting in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by the devil.
Hill led the Catholic evening service and was pleased with the turnout.
"Every year, we have the opportunity to do a Lenten observance, which is a period of time for people to pay attention to their own holiness and to try to purge their own sinfulness from their lives," Hill said, after the service. "And Ash Wednesday is kind of the kick-off to that."
The evening Catholic service opened with organ music prior to Hill approaching the altar to read a Bible passage. The choir sang a selection of traditional Catholic songs before Hill began his sermon.
In his sermon, he talked about the importance of the observing Lent privately, with reverence, without showing off for others. Hill explained people should strive to make spiritual progress over the next 40 days in addition to giving something up. He added he believes some of his prayers have helped to heal those dealing with sickness within the congregation.
Hill was joined by other congregational leaders to place an ashen cross on the forehead of each person in attendance as they came to the front of the church. The cross was placed on the foreheads of people as a reminder that God created man from ashes, Hill explained.
Hill then led the congregation in prayer. The choir sang another selection of songs, including "Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling" before communion was taken and Hill closed the service.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Nicholas, 12th Aviation Battalion, C Company, said there is always a big turnout for Ash Wednesday services on military bases.
"It is definitely important, especially when you are going from place to place," Nicholas said. "Ash Wednesday is a staple in the Catholic community."
He said the services provide a reminder of the importance of living in holiness, adding it is a shame that there's not always a big turnout for every Mass on the installation. He said it was "awakening" to attend the Ash Wednesday service and see how many Catholics are part of the local military community.
Veronica Sanchez, a military spouse, said that the service provided a very important reminder of what Lent is all about.
"Everybody is mindful that we come together during this time," she said. "It is everybody coming together."
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