SANTIAGO CITY – University of La Salette conducted a short prayer service in front of the Junior High School Chapel and burned the withered palm branches from last year’s Palm Sunday that will be used for tomorrow’s Ash Wednesday, February 17.

The burning of palms serves as a powerful symbol of repentance, humility, and renewal, inviting all faithful to reconcile with God and turn away from sins and prepare their hearts for the Lenten season, a season of prayer, fasting, and charity.

Rev. Fr. Joey Balunsat, MS, the University Chaplain of the High School department, led the said ceremony and talked about the importance of Ash Wednesday.

The celebration not only commemorates the beginning of Ash Wednesday, but symbolizes repentance, mortality, and spiritual renewal – the main theme of Ash Wednesday.