In his homily at the Basilica of Saint Savina, the pontiff said “the ashes we receive tonight remind us that any sense of self-sufficiency is false and the idolization of ourselves is destructive, trapping us in isolation and loneliness.”
On the occasion of the beginning of Lent for Roman Catholics, Fr Pope Francis officiated at the service of Ash Wednesday (also equivalent to Clean Monday in the Orthodox Church), urging the faithful to take advantage of the fasting period to put aside materialism and self-centeredness and help their fellow human beings.
Priests bless the ashes (ashes) from the burning of the previous year’s candles and then rub the heads of the faithful with it, forming a cross on the forehead. In this way, mortality is recalled (“they are gone and they are cast out”).
In his homily at the Basilica of Saint Savina, the pontiff said “the ashes we receive tonight remind us that any sense of self-sufficiency is false and the idolization of ourselves is destructive, trapping us in isolation and loneliness.”
A cardinal sprinkled ashes on the head of Pope Francis, who later said: “How often, caught up in personal desires and needs, we lose sight of the essence and fail to perceive the true meaning of life in this world…”.
The 86-year-old pontiff urged the faithful to help those in need and make sacrifices during Great Lent leading up to Easter Sunday (for Catholics it is April 9 this year). “Let’s take advantage of these 40 days to take stock (…) and deal with what really matters.”
During this year’s Lent, it will be 10 years since the election of Francis, the first pope from Latin America.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
