Ash Wednesday
Tradition has it that the ceremony of Ash Wednesday started in the 11th century drawing on Jewish fasting traditions. Indeed, ashes have been part of worship as from the time of the Old Testament, ashes representing mortality, mourning and penance.
It has also become a tradition for the Archpriest and Collegiate Chapter of the Church of Saint Lawrence in Birgu to invite the Maltese Association to share with them the liturgy of Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Dame Helene Zammit, Vice President, led colleagues from Council and other members and aspirants during the usual procession of the Reliquary of the Vero Legno from the Monastery of Santa Scolastica to the Collegiate Church of Saint Lawrence, the first Conventual church of the Order.
Mass was said by Archpriest Canon Karm Busutill assisted by other members of the clergy. Noel Buttigierg Scicluna read the lessons.
In this year’s message to Members, Volunteers and friends, the Grand Master Fra ‘ John Dunlap remined us that “ Lent is a providential time of return- a return to the Lord who first loved us. In the silencer of prayer , in the discipline of fasting, and in the quiet generosity of almsgiving we allow Christ to draw us closer to His Heart.
NBS
Photos credit: Mr. Roger Bugeja
