Ash Wednesday Celebration

Lynn Shabluk 18′

Staff Writer

Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the Lenten season; 40 day celebration of fasting and preparing for the holy day of Easter. Although it is not a Holy Day of obligation it is strongly encouraged that all Roman Catholics attend mass on this particular day. The ashes that are distributed during mass or church services are made from palm branches used on Palm Sunday the year before.  The ashes are marked on the forehead in the figure of a cross and left on the head as a sign of humility. When receiving the ashes the distributor will say, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return”, this represents Jesus’ death and the significance of his return. This period reminds us of our own mortality and calls us to repent. It is important to reflect on all our sins and focus on the growth of our spirituality.

The celebration of Ash Wednesday took place in the P.A.C. in the form of a short pray service, followed by a time for adoration of the blessed sacrament.