The island’s faithful crowded churches across the island this Ash Wednesday marking the beginning of Lent, including at Santa Barbara Catholic Church. 

Dededo resident James Garrido explained what Lent means to him. 

“Like every year, I try to give up, of course not eating rice and meat and all that stuff, but I think there is more to it like just being humble and asking everyone to pray everyday regardless if it’s Lent or not. And make sacrifices because our lord Jesus made sacrifices for us. That’s my belief and that’s why I’m here today,” said Garrido. 

Dededo resident Rose Taitague said the 40 day period is about blessings. 

Her plans?

“I haven’t thought about it but I plan to go to church often,” said Taitague. 

For Dededo resident Eddie Santos, Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and reflection.  

“I really stopped giving up things. Now, I pray more, make more time for God and do  something better than giving up soda and candy. You know, do something better to help the soul to get into heaven,” said Santos. 

And this year, many are keeping Pope Francis in their prayers.

“All we ask is that we pray for his healing so the world can come to peace. Because with everything that’s going on in the world nowadays, prayer is the only answer, not war,” added Garrido. 

“I pray that he will recover. Lots of prayers,” said Taitague. 

The Vatican said the Pope suffered from two episodes of acute respiratory failure Monday but remains in stable condition Tuesday. 

The 88-year-old has been taken off noninvasive mechanical ventilation, and is now only receiving supplemental nasal oxygen.

He remains alert and cooperative with medical staff, though his prognosis is uncertain.

“Our prayers are with the Holy Father and we pray that he gets better,” said Santos. 

The Pope has been hospitalized for more than two weeks as he battles double pneumonia.