Valentine’s Day was a more solemn affair for Catholics in Sabah this year as it coincided with the start of their lent season on Feb 14. Instead of the usual festivities, Catholics focused on prayer and attended Ash Wednesday mass.
Newly engaged couple Mitchelle George, 35, and Luigi Tamayo, 33, decided to forgo their romantic date plans and instead went to church and had a simple dinner to observe the day of fasting and abstinence.
Mitchelle mentioned that celebrating with simplicity was a fitting end to the Chinese New Year holidays and also helped them save money. She has been in a relationship with Luigi for six years.
Dr Sen Nathan and his family also opted for a simple vegetarian meal after Ash Wednesday mass, as they had already spent quite a lot during Christmas and the year-end holidays. The 51-year-old veterinarian expressed that the lent season was a time for them to focus on their relationship with God.
Lorraine Jacob, a 37-year-old typist, emphasized that this year, the more important occasion was Ash Wednesday. She and her husband chose to offer extra time for prayers and only have a simple dinner, reflecting on their gratitude for their long-lasting love and their son’s health.
Ash Wednesday holds significance for Catholics as it marks the beginning of the 40-day lent season, which will conclude on Easter Sunday, falling on March 31 this year.
