The first day of Lent, on which ashes are blessed and used to mark the heads of the faithful as a sign of penance. In the fourth century, public penitents wearing sackcloth were sprinkled with ashes as a sign of penitence. As public penance was gradually discontinued, it became the custom for all the faithful to receive ashes (eleventh century) in beginning Lenten penance as preparation for Easter.
Reverend Peter M.J. Stravinskas, Ph.D., S.T.L. Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Encyclopedia. Copyright ?1994, Our Sunday Visitor.
Message of Lent 2002 from the Pope
Catholic Answers - ASH WEDNESDAY
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