Its name comes from the fact that early Christians sprinkled ashes on their heads as penance. From the 12th century, this became part of the church ceremony (cremation). II. In 1091, Pope Orbán ordered that priests smear the foreheads of all Christians with ashes on this day. In the church, after the mass, the priest consecrates the ashes of the previous year's consecrated barka and draws the cross on the foreheads of the faithful. This is called cremation (Latin: impositio cinerum ), which is the ceremony marking the beginning of Lent.
So today begins the 40-day fast. Since Sundays are not considered fasting days by the Church, VII. since the 19th century, Lent begins on Wednesday, that is, it lasts from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. However, fasting began much earlier, and even pagan peoples had such a custom. Of course, we can ask why Lent lasts exactly 40 days? Well, there are many events in the Scriptures associated with the number forty. Before Jesus Christ began his public ministry, he spent 40 days in the wilderness. The flood lasted 40 days, the Jewish people wandered in the desert for 40 years, Moses stayed on Mount Sinai for 40 days, and the prophet Jonah preached a 40-day fast in Nineveh. The religious practice of fasting is repentance and purification. It indicates the love shown by man towards God and the sacrifice for him.
Photo: Vatican News
On this year's Ash Wednesday, let's observe a fasting day for peace! - is the call of Pope Francis.
Since the call of the head of the church took place on February 23, which was also reported by 2022 plus
We publish the translation of Pope Francis' entire appeal.
There is great pain in my heart because of the deterioration of the situation in Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts of recent weeks, we are witnessing increasingly worrying developments. Like me, many people in the world feel anxiety and worry. Once again, vested interests threaten everyone's peace. I would like to appeal to political leaders to do a serious examination of conscience before God, who is a God of peace and not of war; who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies. I ask the parties concerned to refrain from any actions that would cause even more suffering to the population, because it would destabilize coexistence between nations and cast doubt on international law.
Now I want to appeal to everyone, believers and non-believers alike.
Jesus taught us to respond to the diabolical senselessness of violence with the weapons of God, prayer and fasting.
I ask everyone to observe a fasting day for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2. I especially encourage the faithful to dedicate themselves fervently to prayer and fasting on that day. The Queen of Peace saves the world from the madness of war!
Source: Magyar Kurír/Tózsér Endre SP
Photo: Vatican News
Featured Image: Wikipedia
