The ash cross is considered a sign of repentance and conversion: a text message from the Holy Father.
“Remember, man, that you are dust, and you will return to dust,” the priest says as he blesses the faithful today.
Today’s Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the forty days of Lent in the Western Church. Its name comes from the custom of Christians drawing a cross with ashes on their foreheads on this day as a sign of repentance and conversion. The time commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert. The ashes are obtained from the palm branches of the previous year.
Furthermore, Pope Francis invites everyone, regardless of religion or worldview, to fast and pray for the people of Ukraine and peace. Traditionally, more fish is now put on the plate, preferably from local waters and aquacultures, subject to strict standards and short transport routes.
In Austria, the Catholic Church is again offering a text message campaign with Pope’s thoughts. Until Holy Saturday, those interested will receive a free SMS with quotes from the Holy Father every day except Sunday for the next six weeks. One can register over the cell phone with the password PAPST to the telephone number:
0664/6606651.
- source: krone.at/picture: Image by Gini George from Pixabay
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