Ash Wednesday 5 March

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. It reminds us of our mortality and our need to turn to Christ. Using damp ash from previous year's palm fronds, the priest draws the sign of the cross on the forehead of the faithful while saying:

"Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return." - or

" Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."

More:

<link http: www.catholic.org clife lent ashwed.php external-link-new-window external link in new>Ash Wednesday and making the cross

<link http: en.wikipedia.org wiki ash_wednesday external-link-new-window external link in new>Ash Wednesday, background