ASH WEDNESDAY

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.

What is Lenten Season?

Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. The Lenten season is a time
when many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, self-denial
and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ -
his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial, and resurrection.

During Lent, we typically make a commitment to fast, or to give up somethinga habit,

such as smoking, watching TV, or swearing, or a food or drink, such as sweets, chocolate
or coffee.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday takes place 40 days before Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday marks the
beginning of the Season of Lent; it is also the first day of Lent. It is a season of penance,
reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday,
through which we attain redemption.

Why Ash?

The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us during the Creation. Our
foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and remind us that life passes
away on Earth. We remember this when we are told, "Remember, Man is dust, and unto
dust you shall return."

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. While the ashes symbolize
penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to
those who call on Him with repentant hearts. The ashes are made from the blessed
palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year.