Ash Wednesday.
--To-day commences the Lenten season with the members of the
Roman Catholic and Episcopalian Churches.
It derives its name from the ancient custom of marking the foreheads of the people with ashes in the form of a cross, at the same time repeating the solemn warning, "Remember, man, thou art but dust, and unto dust thou shalt return" The period from this day to Easter Sunday is observed by the members of the above churches as a time peculiarly devoted to a spirit of retirement and repentance.
Public and private amusements and entertainments are considered, if not unlawful, at least peculiarly inappropriate at this penitential season.
For the information of such of our readers as belong to the
Roman Catholic Church, we give the following regulations, prescribed by
the Right Rev. Bishop Magill, of this city, to be observed by the members of his Church in this Diocese:
- 1.
Every day of Lent, Sundays excepted, is a fasting day of obligation for all over 21 years of age, and who are not legitimately dispensed.
- 2. For all bound by the fast meal is allowed at all the meals on Sundays and at one meal on all weeks' days, excepting.
Ash Wednesday and all Fridays.
- 3.
Persons exempt from the fast can use meat at any of these meals.
- 4. The use of a cup of tea, coffee, or chocolate made with water in the morning, with a cracker or a similar proportion of bread, and the usual lenten collation, are permitted.
- 5. At the collation any article of food, except flesh meat, may be used.
- 6. Being under 21 years of age, pregnancy, the nursing of infants at the breast, and infirm health, are recognized as lawful dispensations from the fast.
- 7. During the period from the commencement of Lent until Trinity Sunday, the duty of confession and commission, as adjoined by the law of our Church, may be performed.
Pastors are also exhorted, with their people, to continue their prayers for the country and for the return of peace.
