Ash Wednesday marks start of Lent

Mansfield News Journal
·1 min read
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Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. The 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving is observed by Christians around the world.

Some churches mark the foreheads of worshippers with an ash cross on Ash Wednesday to represent two biblical themes.

As the ashes are applied to a worshipper's forehead the priest speaks the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

The Rev. John Miller anoints students with ashes Wednesday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mansfield. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter.
The Rev. John Miller anoints students with ashes Wednesday at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mansfield. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter.

The ashes also represent penance. In ancient times, it was customary for a penitent to dress in uncomfortable sackcloth and sit in ashes.

The Lenten season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. Fasting during Lent includes abstaining from meat on Fridays as well as practicing self-discipline in other ways.

Lent culminates with Easter Sunday, the day Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter will be observed this year by most Christians on April 9, based on the Gregorian calendar. Eastern Orthodox Christians will celebrate the holiday on April 16, based on the Julian calendar.

St. Peter's students parishioners celebrate Ash Wednesday.
St. Peter's students parishioners celebrate Ash Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Christians begin season of Lent with Ash Wednesday services