Remember that you are dust…

Remember that you are dust…

February 11, 2021

Most people aren’t aware that there are two ways that ashes are imposed in the church on Ash Wednesday, and that the one we’re unfamiliar with is more common and more ancient. The practice of signing a cross on the forehead with the ash is most common in the English-speaking world, but in Rome and much of the world ashes are sprinkled on the crown of the head. This year, thanks to this still raging pandemic, the whole world will experience that ancient practice since Pope Francis has asked everyone to use that practice. Now I know that for those of you who have experienced my somewhat generous use of water during Easter season sprinklings, you might be picturing a handful of ashes on your head. But I promise to hold to the practice of only a pinch.

-Fr Lou