Ashes for Ash Wednesday

Ashes for Ash Wednesday

• Special ashes for imposition and blessing.
• Made with the burning of branches, palms and palm trees.
• Long lasting ash, can be used for several consecutive Ash Wednesdays.
• Easy to impose.
• Approximate weight of 5 gr.
• It is estimated that each bag can be used for the taxation of 500 people.

Meaning of Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. With Ash Wednesday begins the liturgical season in which we prepare for Holy Week, for the celebration of the Easter Triduum, the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The symbol that characterizes Ash Wednesday is the imposition of Ash on those attending the Liturgy. The imposition of ashes is a very ancient gesture through which we humbly acknowledge that God is the beginning and end of everything. The meaning of the ash is very clear, it reminds us that everything material has its end, only that which comes from God is eternal.

On Ash Wednesday, and throughout Lent, the main message is Conversion, drawing closer to Christ. The preparation of our mind, our body and our soul to renew itself. To get away from the old, from the dark, and start anew directing our steps towards the light, towards Jesus.

Fasting on Ash Wednesday

Fasting for Christians means eating only one large meal throughout the day. The Church does not require the imposition of Ash but does require fasting on Ash Wednesday . According to the general rules, all those over 18 and under 60 must fast.

Fasting is a way of asking God for forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings. Through fasting we sacrifice satisfactions of our day to day to please God.

Prayer on Ash Wednesday

On Ash Wednesday , during the forty days of Lent, we have to find the way to get closer to God. One of the ways we can use to approach the presence of Our Lord is prayer.

Through prayer we establish communication with God. This allows us to get closer to his teachings and away from sins. On this journey towards Christ, prayer allows us to renew ourselves from within, to convert, to draw closer to God.

It is very important that during Ash Wednesday we pray wholeheartedly, analyzing our mistakes and sins. We can only convert by looking honestly at ourselves. We are to avoid distractions that might interrupt our prayer. It is essential to focus our thoughts and our feelings on God.