Ash Wednesday

 On this day, ashes made from the Palms which were blessed on the previous Palm-Sunday, are solemnly blessed and put on the forehead of all the faithful, as a holy emblem of penance, at the same time as the terrible sentence which God Himself pronounced against the first sinner is repeated: "Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return."




First Anthem


Let us change our dress for ashes and sackcloth: let us fast and weep in the presence of the Lord: For our God is very merciful to forgive us our sins.  
Second Anthem

The priests, the ministers of the Lord, shall weep between the porch and the altar, and say: "Spare, O Lord, O spare Thy people; and shut not the mouths of those who praise Thee, O Lord!"