CBCP: Sprinkling Of Ashes Still An Option

The sprinkling of ash over one’s head will remain an option for the Catholic faithful on Ash Wednesday even as the traditional practice of daubing ash on the forehead is revived this year.

In a communication, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Liturgy (CBCP-ECL) said that while priests would revert to the traditional practice on March 2, Ash Wednesday, “the sprinkling of ashes on the crown will remain an option.”

“We have been reminded last year that this option is an ‘opportunity to catechize our people on both the penitential and baptismal characters of the Lenten season,’” CBCP-ECL said about how the Catholic rite was observed in 2021 due to physical contact restrictions at the height of the pandemic.

“In baptism, we have been anointed on the crown of the head. The ashes to be smeared on the crown signify our repentance from sin, which has marred the grace of baptism,’” it added.

In its Recommendations for Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Paschal Triduum Celebrations Year 2022, the CBCP-ECL expects more Catholics to come out and advised the parishes to assign an adequate number of ministers to impose ashes on their foreheads.

“We anticipate a large number of people who will come to church for the imposition of ashes. Let us ensure that there are enough ministers and ashes as well as compliance with health protocols,” it said.

If there is a shortage in old palm branches to be burned and turned to ash to be used for Ash Wednesday, the CBCP-ECL suggested the use of dried leaves of palms or trees.

“For parishes having difficulty securing old palm branches during the celebration of Palm Sunday last year, dried leaves of palms or trees can be burned for this year’s celebration of Ash Wednesday,” it added.

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season.