Understanding Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is one of the most important holy days in the liturgical calendar.
Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday, and opening Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.
The Practice
Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting.
- Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
- The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
- Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance. Even non-Christians and the excommunicated are welcome to receive the ashes. The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.
- It is not required that a person wear the ashes for the rest of the day, and they may be washed off after Mass. However, many people keep the ashes as a reminder until the evening.
The Ashes
- Made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year.
- Christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense.
- Symbolize penance and contrition, but also remind that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts.
God’s divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance.
For more information on Ash Wednesday, please visit Catholic.org |
