Enroll in the Ash Wednesday course --
Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular and important holy days in the liturgical calendar. Ash Wednesday opens Lent, a season of fasting and prayer.
Ash Wednesday takes place 46 days before Easter Sunday and is chiefly observed by Catholics, although many other Christians observe it too.
Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. 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.“
Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.“
Ashes also symbolize grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.
Writings from the Second-century Church refer to the wearing of ashes as a sign of penance.
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 important to remember that Ash Wednesday is a day of penitential prayer and fasting. Some faithful take the rest of the day off work and remain home. It is generally inappropriate to dine out, to shop, or to go about in public after receiving the ashes. Feasting is highly inappropriate. Small children, the elderly and sick are exempt from this observance.
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.
Recently, movements have developed that involve pastors distributing ashes to passersby in public places. This isn’t considered taboo, but Catholics should know this practice is distinctly Protestant. Catholics should still receive ashes within the context of Mass/Liturgy of the word.
In some cases, ashes may be delivered by a priest or a family member to those who are sick or shut-in.
Take our 1 min. Ash Wednesday Survey Now:
Learn more about Ash Wednesday:
Support Catholic Online by Subscribing to our Channel:
More on Lent:
Catholic Online Shopping:
Catholic Online Shopping:
[] Prayer Book Collection
[] Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers
[] Praying the Rosary with Pope Francis
[] Spiritual Thoughts Series
[] Divine Mercy Rosary
[] Red Sacred Heart Rosary Bracelet
[] Black Capped Our Father Sterling Silver Rosary
[] Black Swarovski 14Kt Gold Rosary
[] Holy Family Holy Card
[] GNT Leatherbound Bible
[] New American Bible
[] New Testament: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible
Light a Prayer Candle []
You Can Make a Difference Today - Donate Now []
1 view
24
11
2 months ago 00:34:11 1
1. Foreword: Interview with John Robb
2 months ago 00:01:11 1
NRC chief: Western powers seen as ’hypocrites on an industrial scale’ over Israel support
2 months ago 00:00:31 1
RFK Jr. still sporting wedding ring, attends mom Ethel Kennedy’s funeral with Cheryl Hines
2 months ago 00:08:03 1
Sailor rescued 30 miles out to sea clinging to COOLBOX after his boat was sunk by Hurricane Milton
3 months ago 00:09:52 1
Destruction of Hurricane Helene on Small Business CanvasPrints
3 months ago 00:55:21 1
Donald Trump Live | Donald Trump Visit First Responders Live | Trump Speech Live | Trump News | N18G
3 months ago 00:01:05 1
King Charles shows off his ‘moves’ during Samoan dancing lesson
3 months ago 00:03:23 1
PefCrash: Tom Pryce, Jansen Van Vuuren Accident Of Formula One - 1977 South African Grand Prix
3 months ago 00:04:01 2
Highlights from Collision Grand Slam! | 9/30/24 AEW Grand Slam
3 months ago 00:08:16 1
Italy panic: Live footage ash cover Catania and Sicily airport,after major new erupt Etna volcano
3 months ago 00:06:01 4
Highlights from Grand Slam Dynamite! | 9/25/24 AEW Grand Slam
3 months ago 00:09:42 1
Darby Allin takes on Jon Moxley with a AEW Championship Opportunity on the LINE! | 9/25/24
3 months ago 00:00:00 1
MOST SCARED I’VE EVER BEEN!! ALONE IN HAUNTED FOREST
3 months ago 00:11:40 1
BRAZIL CARNIVAL 2024 Copacabana Bloco
3 months ago 01:00:09 1
Nelver - Proud Eagle Radio Show #537 [Pirate Station Radio] (11-09-2024) Drum & Bass
3 months ago 04:11:45 1
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian Visits Iraq LIVE | Masoud Pezeshkian Arrives In Erbil | N18G
3 months ago 00:03:12 1
From the ashes of Blackpool Combat Club come the new leaders? | 9/11/24, AEW Dynamite
3 months ago 00:04:17 1
Discovering Your True Self: Reflections from an Ozark Church Sign
3 months ago 00:10:00 1
Miserere Mei Deus
4 months ago 00:00:56 1
Queen guitarist Brian May reveals he suffered stroke, lost control of his arm
4 months ago 00:00:33 8
Barron Trump, 18, flanked by security as he arrives at NYU for first day of college classes
4 months ago 00:10:30 1
Mobility scooter man STABBED to death. Suspects RELEASED. Starmer SILENT
4 months ago 06:27:46 1
Tim Walz Slams Vance & Trump | Governor Tim Walz At IAFF Convention, Boston | Kamala Harris | N18G
4 months ago 00:08:08 1
Horrible today: Live Footage crater collapse Stromboli volcano spewingash and lava cover city Sicily