Growing up Roman Catholic has been challenging, exhilarating, imposing, rewarding, intimidating, and comforting all at the same time. Ever since I can remember, Ash Wednesday has always been considered as one of the most religious days on the year. Some refer to it as the holy day of obligation.


Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Catholic lent period, and continues for forty-six days (forty days not counting Sundays) before Easter. It is a moveable fast, falling on a different date each year because it is dependent on the date of Easter. This year it fall on the 17th of February.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are typically gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year's Palm Sunday are burned. In the liturgical practice of some churches, the ashes are mixed with the Oil of the Catechumens (one of the sacred oils used to anoint those about to be baptized. This paste is used by the minister who presides at the service to make the sign of the cross, first upon his or her own forehead and then on those of congregants.

During lent, the congregation does not sing during mass. We are on a spiritual journey, toward the Second Coming and our future life in Heaven. In order to emphasize that journey, the Church, during Lent, removes the Alleluia from the Mass. We no longer sing with the choirs of angels; instead, we acknowledge our sins and practice repentance so that one day we may again have the privilege of worshiping God as the angels do.

A Blessed Ash Wednesday to all.