Wednesday, Ash
WEDNESDAY, ASH
The first day of Lent, when, in the primitive church, notorious sinners were put to open penance thus: They appeared at the church door barefooted, and clothed in sackcloth, where, being examined, their discipline was proportioned according to their offences; after which, being brought into the church, the bishop singing the seven penitential psalms, they prostrated themselves, and with tears begged absolution; the whole congregation having ashes on their heads, to signify, that they were both mortal and deserved to be burnt to ashes for their sins.
Fuente: Theological Dictionary
Wednesday, Ash
The first day of Lent, so called from the custom of marking the foreheads of the faithful with blessed ashes. Its date depends upon that of Easter.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Wednesday, Ash
SEE ASH WEDNESDAY.