Why is this day thus named?
Because
on this day the Church blesses ashes, and places them on the heads of
her faithful children, saying: "Remember man, thou art dust, and
unto dust thou shaft return."
Why
is this done?
St.
Charles Borromeo gives us the following reasons for this practice:
that the faithful may be moved to sincere humility of heart; that the
heavenly blessing may descend upon them, by which they, being really
penitent, will weep with their whole soul for their sins, remembering
how earth was cursed because of sin, and that we have all to return
to dust; that strength to do true penance may be given the body, and
that our soul may be endowed with divine grace to persevere in
penance.
With
such thoughts let the ashes be put upon your head, while you ask in
all humility and with a contrite heart, for God’s mercy and grace.
Is
the practice of putting ashes upon our heads pleasing to God?
To
read more, please click
here.
