Lenten Reflections
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
This Lenten season, we’ll be running a daily essay from a Lenten booklet I helped compile. If you’d like more information on the project, please read here.
Ash Wednesday, February 22
An interesting phenomenon will occur the week of Mardi Gras. Parish Office phones will be ringing off the hook. “When do you give out ashes?” “When can I come and get ashes?” And this will be verified on Ash Wednesday... READ MORE
The Meaning of Ashes
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Benedict the XVI is a wonderful teacher and I love it when he preaches on the significance of the symbols of the liturgy.
He did that this morning in his homily for Ash Wednesday.
He starts with the basics: the significance of ashes for the people of Israel, and then their role in our liturgy.
The ashes are not a sacramental sign, but they are linked with prayer and the sanctification of the Christian... READ MORE
Outward Signs
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, March 09, 2011
I took a deep breath before walking into the grocery store this afternoon. I pinched my cheeks and smoothed my hair and stole one more glance at myself in glass doors to verify that yes, I still had an enormous black smudge on my forehead.
Of course it wasn’t a smudge at all, but a cross—an outward sign of the start of Lent, of my need for God and my desire for change. I know this, but I wondered... READ MORE
Wash Or Wear?
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Here’s one of those little prudential matters where I’m pretty sure the Lord honors our intentions, however we decide.
I’m curious what your practice is though. Do you typically wear your ashes all day?
Fr. Philip Neri, O.P. says Wash Your Face!
fast privately without being gloomy, without neglecting your appearance; anoint your head and WASH YOUR FACE! Do you think the Lord is going to smile on... READ MORE
Ash Wednesday With The Pope
Posted by Rebecca Teti in Faith on Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Pope Benedict XVI received his ashes this morning.
Two Roman traditions for Ash Wednesday:
In Italy, ashes are sprinkled on the top of the head instead of “crossed” onto the forehead.
In order to strengthen the sense of community among the churches in Rome, the custom developed for the various prayer services of Lent, Holy Week and Easter to be held at different “stations.”
That way, by the end... READ MORE
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