Ash Wednesday Start of Lent

Today is Forty Days from Lent (not counting Sundays).  Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance.

It is a Christian Tradition based on the Gospel:

[from wikipedia.org]

Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. An ancient example of one expressing one’s penitence is found in Job 42:3-6. Job says to God: “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. The other eye wandereth of its own accord. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (vv. 5-6, KJV) Other examples are found in several other books of the Bible including, Numbers 19:9, 19:17, Jonah 3:6, Matthew 11:21, and Luke 10:13, and Hebrews 9:13. Ezekiel 9 also speaks of a linen-clad messenger marking the forehead of the city inhabitants that have sorrow over the sins of the people. All those without the mark are destroyed.

It marks the start of a forty day period analogous to the separation of Jesus in the desert to fast and pray. During this time he was tempted. Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13.^[13]

More than a billion Catholics or a sixth of the world will be observing this day.  In the Roman Catholic Church ashes as sacramentals may be given to anyone who wishes them, as opposed to Catholic Sacraments which are reserved for Catholic Members, except for grave necessity.  This is quoted from Canon Law as seen below:

Can. 1170 Blessings which are to be imparted first of all to Catholics, can also be given to catechumens and even to non-Catholics unless there is a prohibition of the Church to the contrary.

In Catholic Tradition, according to wikipedia.org:

Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, and repentance—a day of contemplating one’s transgressions. Roman Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 are permitted to consume only one full meal, which may be supplemented by two smaller meals, which together should not equal the full meal. Some Roman Catholics will go beyond the minimum obligations demanded by the Church and undertake a complete fast or a bread and water fast. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also days of abstinence from meat (for those Catholics age 14 and over), as are all Fridays in Lent.

Things  to remember then for Lent is [from what i got above]:

1. Repent and hear the good news!
2. Go to mass, if possible have confession and take communion, you may always say a prayer for the intentions of the Pope and for the unity of the Christian Church.
3. Eat only one full meal, and two smaller meals that are not equivalent to one full meal.
4. Have your forehead placed with ash in the sign of the cross.
5. Try to abstain from pleasurable and fun activities as part of your fast.

Have a meaningful start of Lent – Ash Wednesday.

May God bless and  keep you.

My favourite blessing [Because my namesake blessed the Israelites with this prayer Numbers 6:23–27]

May Adonai bless you and guard you – יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ

May Adonai make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you – יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ

May Adonai lift up his face onto you and give you peace – יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם

His relics were displayed for veneration at the Serviam Hall of EDSA Shrine last January 24, 2010.  In time for the National Congress of Priests of the Philippines, read more on that on asianews.it.

I was fortunate enough to be able to venerate the relics – which were a stole, a bible, and a piece of his skin on a ring, and other things.  I was also able to bring my nephew baby Lucas and my mom went with me too.  I am so very fortunate to be able to pray with the relics of this Saint.  I don’t need to go to Europe to venerate a saint’s relics, it went to me!!!  Just a few minutes from my home! So blessed!

Relics of Saint John Mary Vianney

Holy Cross Parish Website

Guys check out the new website for the Holy Cross Parish of San Jacinto, Diocese of Masbate! I hope that this website will be able to help the parish and all the parishioners as well.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs6qZd_xP1w

A great video which is actually a TV commercial in the states, summarizing briefly (how can you summarize 2000 years of history?) the significance and contribution of the Catholic Church to humanity.

Thanks to CatholicsComeHome.org for the video.