‘A time of introspection’: Greater Richmonders begin Lent, Ramadan seasons

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Seasons of self-sacrifice and opportunities for spiritual renewal across the Islamic and Christian faiths start this week.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, marks the first full day of Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) professor Andrew Chesnut told 8News that the closeness of both seasons only happens once every 33 years.

Religious leaders in Greater Richmond from both the Islamic and Christian faiths are encouraging Muslims, Christians, those of all faith and non-believers to be kinder to one another during this season and beyond.

The 30-day Ramadan season and 40-day Lenten season emphasize spiritual growth while caring for neighbors.

8News visited a North Chesterfield Muslim congregation for its post-fasting meal and prayers for the first time this season. Throughout the month, Muslims will recite the entire Quran -- the central text of Islam -- in their prayers.

"Ramadan is a time of introspection," said Imam Ammar Amonette from the Islamic Center of Virginia. "In the daylight hours from dawn to sunset, they don't eat or drink anything. We spend time meditating on the meaning of scripture, prayer, getting together with our family and community."

For Christians, the Lent season starts with the marking of ashes on the forehead on "Ash Wednesday." Anyone, regardless of religious background, can get them. 8News visited St. Mary's Catholic Church in Henrico's West End for one of its Ash Wednesday Masses.

"The smudge of ashes on my forehead reminds me I'm a sinner, but it's in the shape of the cross, which reminds me that I have a Savior," St. Mary's pastor Father Michael Renninger said. "We fast, that is, we consume less, grab for less, we buy less so that we can therefore be more generous."

For this season, each congregation is emphasizing kindness across faith lines.

"Pope Leo — the first American pope — recently said that what he would like all people to give up for Lent is angry rhetoric and divisive language. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all people of goodwill gave that up for Lent?" Father Renninger said.

Ammar Amonette echoed the sentiments.

"We're all neighbors. We need to know each other, support each other and help each other out," he added.