Oración Miércoles de Ceniza

For decades, every Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world have recited the same prayers in their local churches. Millions have taken up the Pope's litany in the United States alone.

Ash Wednesday prayer focused on the spiritual life of the Catholic faith. On this day of ashes, a time of reflection and penance, we need to turn our hearts toward others. Brother, sister, this is a time of tears and intercessions. Let's pray for others, not just think about them. And so, let us pray...

This is a Quicktime video of the prayer, including a Bible passage and the Father's Prayer. The prayer of the faithful from all over the world. We are designing a deeper understanding of how to receive God's grace and how to be in relationship with the Father through prayer.

After the pre-Lenten Eucharistic liturgy of Holy Thursday, we gather to pray the Penitential Rite. Praying this rite allows us to unite in atonement and intercession before God in our own responsibility and on behalf of the entire Church.

Ash Wednesday Bells in the early morning hours. The Church's longing for the coming of the Lord seems to cry out loud today, especially in our time of need. Our Church has called the faithful since the day of its founding to unite in prayer for the Church. Unlike the funeral rite, it is permeated with joy and hope for the coming of the Messiah. The end of the old year and the beginning of a new one allows us to use this day to prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

The ashes are prepared by burning the palm leaves used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. They represent death and repentance, a reminder that we are human: mortal, sinful, and in need of repentance.

Whether your church offers an Ash Wednesday service or observes Lent, you can enter this season with prayer, reflection, and repentance. Taking a season each year to reflect on your life, confess your sins to God, and recommit to walking in God's way is a powerful way to enter Easter.

As we begin this Lenten season, take a few minutes to reflect and pray on Ash Wednesday (and maybe stop by a church to collect your ashes). Next, consider observing a Holy Lent with prayer, fasting, reflection, and repentance. As we approach Lent, we invite you to join us on a 7-day journey exploring Ash Wednesday, its meaning, and what we do to prepare for the season. Thanks for your participation.