Back all the way to the Old Testament, people will not just put a sign of the cross, as we do now, but they will be covered in ashes as some form of repentance, of recognizing their sinfulness, but at the same time, being open to God’s mercy.” “The whole purpose of receiving ashes is the significance of repentance. “Many people who have not been to church for a long time usually come back for Ash Wednesday, even though Catholics are not obligated to go to Mass or receive the ashes,” Father Juan Ochoa, director of the archdiocese’s Office for Divine Worship, told the Register.

Those decisions will be made closer to the time of the events themselves. Another variant, like the widespread infection of omicron, could cause parishes to be unable to proceed with an event like foot-washing during Holy Week. The archdiocese, the largest in the United States, encompasses three counties, each of which has individual COVID-19 requirements that are subject to adjustment. In addition to a normal imposition of ashes, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles hopes to return to the tradition of foot washing during Holy Week, but with the knowledge that COVID-19 restrictions can change quickly. “Ultimately, all of the mortification and sacrifices of Lent should really make present these three things: our mortality, the life found in the cross, and the power of our Christian priesthood.” “We have the dignity of uniting our daily sufferings to Christ’s,” Father Muir said. The ashes being pressed in the form of a cross on foreheads remind Catholics of the chrism oil at their confirmation, he added. All of the baptized share in Christ’s priesthood, so this mark, like the mark on the foreheads of Old Testament priests, can remind us of our Christian role of priest.” We see it in the prophet Ezekiel and the Book of Revelation.

Finally, being marked on your forehead is biblical. “Secondly, we’re configured to the cross of Christ, which is our path to eternal life. All of us are ‘Adam,’ ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Imposition of ashes ordained