Pandemic creates changes to Ash Wednesday tradition
By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced local Catholic dioceses to change how Ash Wednesday will be observed this year.
Both the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Greensburg will alter Ash Wednesday rituals as well as use modern technology to broadcast their services.
Due to the pandemic, both dioceses announced clergy will not mark a cross with ashes on people’s foreheads, as is usually done. Directives from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have been sent to all dioceses outlining procedures that are already followed in many parts of the world.
According to the diocese, clergy will first bless the ashes, sprinkle them with holy water, and address all those present by saying one time, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Instead of making the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of each person, this year ashes will be sprinkled on top of the person’s head.
“It will help the priest or deacon to avoid having direct contact with a large amount of people,” said the Rev. Tom Kunz, diocesan associate general secretary and vicar for canonical services. “This method of receiving ashes is common in other countries.”
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