Cathedral full of penitents receiving ashes marks the beginning of Lent
CHARLOTTE — It’s been two years since Catholics have turned out in large numbers on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of Lent by receiving ashes on their heads. As COVID-19 health restrictions have been relaxed, however, churches were filled with parishioners for this year’s observance on March 2.
Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and, despite the liturgy’s somber tone, was pleased to welcome a church full of people – greeting them on the steps of the cathedral after Mass and wishing them a blessed Lent.
During a brief homily before ashes were distributed, Bishop Jugis told everyone gathered, “The ashes which we receive today on our heads are a sign of our sorrow for our sins.”
The ashes are similar to the spoken words of sorrow we recite in confession, when we say, “O, my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,” referring to the Act of Contrition, he explained.
“We give expression to our sorrow when we go to confession,” he said, and, likewise, Ash Wednesday is an occasion to express sorrow for our sins as we look forward to Easter.
On Ash Wednesday, “the whole season of Lent lies before us, which we have the occasion to purify our hearts, purify our minds and purify our souls through prayer, through fasting, through penance, through almsgiving – so that we are properly prepared at Easter with pure minds, pure hearts and pure souls in order to celebrate the great solemnity of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday.”
“So it is a time of grace that we begin today – beginning today, expressing our outward sorrow for our sins and, during the whole season of Lent, be about the good work of purifying our hearts, purifying our minds, purifying our souls – so that we are ready, properly prepared to enter the celebration of new life (with) the resurrection of Jesus.”
He then blessed the ashes, sprinkling them with holy water before the parish’s parochial vicar Ernest Nebangongnjoh and Deacon Paul Bruck distributed the ashes to the standing-room-only crowd.
For the second year in a row, ashes were sprinkled on the head rather than placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross, following the bishop’s instruction. This alternative way of commemorating Ash Wednesday is still popular in Rome, and more closely resembles Old Testament tradition.
— SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald
A Lent well spent
Lent begins Ash Wednesday, March 2 – the start of 40 days marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It’s a time to seek a deeper relationship with God and prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. Make the most of your Lent this year:
Encounter God’s mercy in prayer
Receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, going to confession, praying a little more often – it’s all part of opening our hearts to God’s mercy. Commit to doing one extra thing this Lent, such as:
CONFESSION – In the confessional, the Lord swings wide the doors of mercy for us. Just like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, He rushes to embrace us and envelop us in His love. Haven’t been in a while? Don’t worry! A handy guide using the Ten Commandments is online here. Guides geared to children, young adults, singles and married couples are at www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/penance/examinations-of-conscience.
HOLY HOUR – Spend time before the Blessed Sacrament – in a church or watching a livestream from a chapel somewhere around the world – and sit at the Lord’s feet. Hear His voice and receive the grace He wants to pour into your heart. Refer to your parish’s Adoration schedule or check out one of the many webcams at www.virtualadoration.home.blog.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS – Like no other prayer, it can be emotionally stirring to pray the Stations of the Cross – imagining yourself walking beside Jesus in His suffering, death and resurrection. Catholic Online has an easy step-by-step guide: www.catholic.org/prayers/station.php
ROSARY – Meditating on the life of Christ, sifting the rosary beads through our fingers while contemplating the deep love God has for His children in sacrificing His only Son, is one way we can slow down and give God a chance to warm our hearts. Download an interactive rosary app to your smartphone to pray and listen anywhere.
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY – Shared with the world by St. Faustina Kowalska, a humble Polish nun, this powerful prayer recited on rosary beads can illuminate God’s mercy in our lives. A how-to guide is online at www.thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/pray-the-chaplet.
Make room for God’s mercy through fasting
Yes, most Catholics are called to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, the Fridays of Lent and Good Friday, but fasting can take many forms. Get creative! Think of it as an opportunity to give something to God, rather than about giving something up.
Need ideas? Try:
FASTING FROM ELECTRONICS – Skip binge-watching television, surfing the internet, playing video games or talking on the phone. Instead, crack open the Bible, read Lenten reflections or a book about a saint. Better yet, spend the time in prayer.
FASTING FROM ENTERTAINMENT – Instead of attending a sporting event, movie, theatrical performance or concert, use the time to be still with God or participate in a charitable project at your parish.
FASTING FROM MALICIOUS SPEECH OR GOSSIP – We should never spread words that harm the reputation of others, but this Lent, why not try making a more concerted effort? Say only good things, change the subject or walk away from hurtful conversations.
FASTING FROM UNHEALTHY FOODS – Fuel your body, mind and soul: Give up foods loaded with salt, sugar, preservatives and too many calories. Instead, opt for fresh, healthy foods.
Help others find God’s mercy through giving
Marian Father Chris Alar, a former parishioner of St. Mark Church in Huntersville, says, “When you put love and faith in action, you have mercy.” Now a priest at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass., he reminds us all that each one of us can be an agent of God’s mercy.
This Lent, consider:
ACTS OF CHARITY – Volunteering, being the hands and feet of God in assisting others, not only helps those in need but helps you grow in love and faith. Shelters for people experiencing homelessness, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, pregnancy centers, food pantries, youth mentoring – volunteer opportunities abound in our community, especially because of the pandemic. Contact your parish or connect with Catholic Charities to find the right fit for you.
DONATIONS OF GOODS – Do you really need all that stuff? Clean out your cabinets, closets and drawers, and give away gently used items to help people in need. The “spring cleaning” is good for your home and for your soul, and you can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
MONETARY DONATIONS – Giving money, whatever is within your means, is a practical way to help a charity you like. Charities rely on the kindness and generosity of donors to fund their mission, and your financial gift just may be the act of mercy they need right now to do their work in the community.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter. Sources: USCCB, Catholic News Agency, Catholic Online and AboutCatholics.com
Get more ideas
Download a 2022 Lenten calendar featuring an idea each day to help you have “a Lent well spent”
What are the rules for fasting and abstinence?
On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Fridays in Lent: Everyone 14 and older must abstain from eating meat.
On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Everyone aged 18 to 59 must fast – eating no more than one full meal, and two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. Exemptions: people who are physically or mentally ill, including those suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women.