The English translation specifies the ashes should be placed “on the head.”ĭr. The Roman Missal says that the priest “places ashes” on those who come forward for them. The Church’s ritual texts are not especially specific about how ashes are to be distributed. In others, he drops the ash from a few inches away. In Ireland, priests sometimes use a cork carved with a cross design, using it like a stamp on the foreheads of Catholics.Ĭountries that “sprinkle” have some variety too - in some countries, the priest puts his ash-covered thumb on the crown of the head. Being marked with ash is meant as a blessed reminder of our mortality, our judgment, and our need for conversion.īut how the marking actually happens is a matter of considerable variety.Įven in countries that customarily trace a cross upon the forehead, some priests trace a distinct and clearly delineated cross, while others make a simple smudge with their thumbs. And everywhere, Lent begins when Catholics are marked with ash, and urged to turn from sin, repent, and follow Christ.Īshes are not sacraments, but they are sacramentals- signs of the sacred. Nigeria traces.Īsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent everywhere. But they sprinkle at the Vatican, and in Italy.
