Palms to Ashes
Traditionally, the ashes for Ash Wednesday are created by burning the palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday celebration. Gathering together for this ritual is one way to prepare for the Journey through Lent (the 40 days leading up to Easter).
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"We are going on a Journey-- a Pilgrimage-- but to where... A Journey--to God A Journey --to freedom A Pilgrimage of Faith. And where do we start? We go back to our beginnings-- To remember what we were when God created us--creatures of the earth. And to remember what we become because God loves us." (from www.wellsprings.org.uk) |
"God of tender mercy, for fashioned us from the dust of earth
and bid us follow your Gospel call in the company of the Church.
Look on us with kindness as we prepare the ashes
which will mark the beginning of our Lenten journey.
Grant that we who make the desert pilgrimage
might come to the font of rebirth with a renewed passion for justice.
May our alms serve your people and bring us peace,
may prayer sanctify our deeds,
and may we come at last to the table you set in the place
where you reign with Christ and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen".
and bid us follow your Gospel call in the company of the Church.
Look on us with kindness as we prepare the ashes
which will mark the beginning of our Lenten journey.
Grant that we who make the desert pilgrimage
might come to the font of rebirth with a renewed passion for justice.
May our alms serve your people and bring us peace,
may prayer sanctify our deeds,
and may we come at last to the table you set in the place
where you reign with Christ and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen".
