Religious Group Draws Attention for Using Marker Instead of Ash on Foreheads
A religious group received a flood of comments online after using a pentel pen marker on the foreheads of devotees instead of ash.
Recently, Kenneth Alvin Bustamante, a Facebook user, shared photos of the religious group applying pentel pen marker on the devotees’ foreheads. The post quickly went viral and drew various reactions from the online community.
The activity was carried out by the Crusaders of the Divine Church of Christ. The group is not part of the Roman Catholic Church and follows its own set of beliefs and practices.
Ash Wednesday is widely observed by Catholics around the world as a day of prayer and repentance. On this day, ash is placed on the forehead of the faithful as a symbol of humility and reflection.
However, instead of ash, the group used a black marker to draw a sign on the foreheads of their members.
Because of this, many people online began asking what the ritual should be called. Some even jokingly referred to it as Ink Wednesday. While others found humor in the situation, some questioned the reason behind using a marker instead of ash.
According to records, the Crusaders of the Divine Church of Christ started in the province of Pangasinan, particularly in the coastal town of San Fabian along the Lingayen Gulf. The group was founded on September 27, 1955 by Rufino S. Magliba, who is recognized as its founder and supreme pontiff. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Manila.
The group continues to practice its own traditions, which are different from those of the Catholic Church.
In a similar report, a pastor seen applying ash on passing motorists in QC this ash Wednesday
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
