VATICAN CITY – Ash
was placed on the heads of prelates, nuns and ordinary lay faithful today by
the Holy Father the Pope to usher in the Lenten season of
prayer and sacrifice. The Pope further said that the Lenten season must be done
out of authentic love, not to satisfy one's conscience.
The ritual, during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, symbolizes mortality.
Catholics in churches worldwide were also marking Ash Wednesday with similar
ceremonies. Lent is the annual period of penitence, prayers and sacrifice as
faithful prepare for Easter.
"True love, indeed, is not an exterior act, it's not to give
something in a paternalistic way to satisfy the conscience, but it is accepting
those who need our time, our friendship, our help," Francis said in his
homily.
The pope described Lent as a good time "to train ourselves to be
more sensitive and merciful" to others. He added that Lent presents the
occasion to practice simplicity and sharing.
No comments:
Post a Comment