Central Georgian Christians Celebrate Ash Wednesday | News

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season Christians worldwide. For many it's a season of fasting and penance, when people give up bad habits and find other ways to grow spiritually. 

At St. Joseph's Catholic Church on New Street in downtown Macon, many Central Georgian Catholics came to particpate in the ash rite. 

The Wagner family, who live in Macon, during the Ash Wednesday services they think of Christ's journey in the desert for 40 days. 

"I'm thinking about when Jesus was dying for our sins," said 8-year-old, John Wagner III. "He died for all of our sins so we wouldn't have to suffer and I just thank the Lord for that."

"I am a small speck in the eyes of God, but I came from dust and that's where I will return," said John Wagner II.  

They also used the Ash Wednesday services to draw strength to resist temptation. Young John Wagner III is giving up junk food and his dad is giving up his favorite soda, Coca-Cola for Lent. 

Lenten season ends on April 8th for many Christian faiths this year.