The season that prepares members of the Catholic Church for the resurrection of Christ is lent. The beginning of the lent is marked by Ash Wednesday. It falls 46 days before Easter Sunday. Even though it is not a Holy Day of Obligation, the Church encourages all Catholics to attend mass and get the ash crucifix marking on their foreheads.

Distribution of ashes

During the holy mass, ashes made from blessed burned palms from the previous Palm Sunday are distributed. After the Palm Sunday mass each year, parishioners are asked to bring back their palms so these can be burned. Before the priest distributes the ash marking, he blesses the ashes first with holy water. He dips his right thumb into the ashes and makes the Sign of the Cross on the people’s foreheads while saying, “Remember, man, that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return.”

Day of repentance

Ashes symbolize people’s mortality. It therefore calls for all Catholics to repent for their sins. When they receive the ash marking, it represents public penance. It serves as a reminder of sinfulness and forgiveness. Catholics do not wash off the marking on their foreheads for the rest of the day to represent their repentance and humility.

Fasting and abstinence

Since Ash Wednesday is penitential in nature, people are called to fast as well as abstain from meat. Those who are between the ages 18 and 60 are required to fast during the day. Fasting during Ash Wednesday doesn’t require complete abstinence from food. Instead, people are allowed to eat one complete meal and two smaller meals for the day. Snacks may not be taken in between. Catholics over the age of 14 must not eat any meat or any food that includes meat as an ingredient.

Spiritual life

Fasting and abstinence done during the Ash Wednesday is not just about penance but also for the improvement of spiritual lives. It gives time for a person to look at his/her life in perspective to see how his/her relationship and connection with God.

If you’re a devout Catholic, Ash Wednesday is an important part of your year. Not only does it begin the Lenten Season, it also gives you the opportunity to enhance your faith and relationship with the Lord. It’s a good practice to hear mass every Ash Wednesday and practice the traditions of fasting and abstinence until the Easter Sunday.