Originally posted on February 21, 2012 via Multiply.com
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Moment with God: For Catholics.... (Posted 21 February 2012)
We celebrate Ash Wednesday on February 22, 2012. It marks the beginning of the Lenten Season, which is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting. Lent prepares us for Easter Sunday when Christ conquers sin and death.
On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our forehead during Mass. Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church. R...eceiving the ashes helps us to develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
The ashes are made from the blessed palms during Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are blessed and scented by exposure to incense.
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. God's Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the Lenten Season, and the Church calls on us to seek his mercy during this season with reflection, prayer and penance, and going to confession.
The Church reminds Catholics that Ash Wednesday is a day of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is required from ages 18 to 60 years, and abstinence from age 14.
Deo Optimo Maximo
(Source:Catholic Online and Ordo 2012)
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