Kanajar, February 22: Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent was observed at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Kanajar, on 22nd February, 2012. The first mass was at 8.30 am, whereas the second mass held at 3.45 pm. Large number of devotees were present during both the mass services.

During the liturgy the ashes were blessed and applied on the forehead of worshipers in the sign of the cross, saying the words, "Remember, man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return"

The ashes signify penance and repentance before God. The ashes used in this ceremony are obtained by burning the blessed palms used on the Palm Sunday of the previous year.