Catholic Articles

Ash Wednesday is a holy day observed by Catholics in opening the season of Lent; it occurs 46 days before Easter Sunday. Wearing ashes on the head is a symbolic practice that has been a tradition of the Jews since ancient times in observing penance and fasting. Ashes have been significant in the humbling celebration of creation as they symbolize the dust God breathed into and made man. In the Bible, an example of this practice can be read in the Book of Jonah. The people of Nineveh, from its king to its slaves, concretely expressed repentance by donning sackcloth and ashes. Moved by their act of repentance, the Lord heeded the Ninevites with great mercy. As a day of penance, Catholics are recommended: “to do penance each in his or her own way”. The faithful are invited to devote themselves to prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. Those “who have completed