Lord bless these ashes by which we will show that we are dust. Pardon our sins and keep us faithful to the discipline of the Lent, for you do not want sinners to die but to live with the risen Christ, who reigns with you forever and ever. Amen. (Prayer for the blessing of the Ashes)
Today the SHFC- Cebu burned the palms which ashes will be imposed on the forehead of the faithful on the Ash Wednesday. Tomorrow the Holy Mother Church remembers it as the day of universal fasting and abstinence. Fasting is required from ages 18 to 60 and abstinence is from age 14. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the journey of the church for the season of Lent which will last up till the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Tomorrow also, the word “Allelluia” will temporarily be not heard in any liturgical services until the Easter Vigil of the Lord’s Resurrection. On this year’s Ash Wednesday, the Holy Father Francis asks the Catholic faithful to dedicate this day in fasting and prayer for the peace in Ukraine. May our celebration of this year’s season of Lent be a time for us to reconcile with God whom we are in debt.
