Anointing with Ashes

WEDNESDAY, Western Christians begin Lent with Ash Wednesday. The Western Christian Lenten season lasts 46 days (the 40-day count does not include Sundays), and millions of observant Christians will receive ashes on their foreheads. While anointing with ashes traditionally was regarded as a Roman Catholic rite in the U.S, the annual practice has been adopted by an ever-growing number of mainline Protestants as well. (Here’s an example: a Missouri Synod Lutheran Web site pointing out that the use of ashes is on the rise.) This year, there’s also more buzz about Protestant services on U.S. military bases including ashes. (Here’s a tip if you’re one of the many journalists who read this column: Think of writing about Ash Wednesday among men and women in military service, this year.) As a symbol of both repentance and the impermanence of life on Earth, church leaders bless ashes gathered from the burning of the previous year’s Palm Sunday alms. (Details are at Catholic Culture.) After ashes are gathered, they are mixed with sacred oils or holy water and used to anoint the faithful. (Wikipedia has a general description of the day.) As a person receives the sign of the cross on his or her forehead, the minister will often recite a Bible verse: “Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

N.B. Here at St. Patrick Catholic Community we recite: Repent and Live the Gospel!

Diane Fausel