Minnesota’s Most Rural Diocese Diocese of New Ulm Vol. 35 No. 4 January/February 2021
T
he ritual of ashes on Ash Wednesday is a solemn ritual that is a sign that the holy season of Lent has begun. There is no liturgical action like it throughout the entire Church year. On this day Catholics are encouraged to observe self control through fasting. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of a spiritual journey, a renewal of the Church’s existence and a rediscovery of her life with God. The journey is rooted in the words “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” It is the message of Christ himself: turn away from darkness, evil, and death and begin walking towards light, goodness, and life. This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, Feb. 17 and ends at the beginning of the Triduum on Holy Thursday on April 1. Easter is Sunday, April 4.