The liturgy of Ash Wednesday is one of the most popular among Catholics, drawing large congregations to receive ashes on their foreheads while the priest proclaims: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” An alternative formula states: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
It is easy to see why Christians gather in their thousands for this ritual, which marks the beginning of the 40-day Lenten Season.
All baptised Catholics are encouraged to participate in the Ash Wednesday liturgy, regardless of their sacramental status. Those who do not go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, or have not celebrated matrimony—commonly called a “Church wedding”—are as welcome to receive the ashes as those who have. Little wonder, then, that Catholic churches and shrines are filled on this solemn day.
According to Fr Bernard Kabiu, Liturgy Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Ash Wednesday is an invitation for all the faithful to turn to God, do good, and resist evil. Ashes may be distributed within or outside Mass. In the latter case, appropriate Bible readings, followed by a homily and prayers of the faithful, must precede the blessing and distribution of ashes.
The word Lent has its roots in the Middle English term lenten, meaning springtime. This period of moral and spiritual renewal coincides with the arrival of spring, when the vernal equinox occurs around 20th March. In the northern hemisphere, days grow longer, temperatures rise, and flora and fauna come back to life.
The ritual symbolism of ashes can be traced to the Hebrew Bible, known to Christians as the Old Testament. According to biblical scholar Prof. John L. McKenzie, sackcloth and ashes appear at least 50 times in Sacred Scripture. While ashes signify destruction, they also symbolise repentance.
Sackcloth and ashes as signs of penitence are explicitly mentioned in Genesis (37:33-35) and through the prophets Jeremiah (49:3ff) and Jonah (3:5-9), with an allusion in Malachi (3:14).
One of the most striking biblical accounts is found in Jonah, where the King of Nineveh repents in sackcloth and ashes and orders his subjects to do the same (Jonah 3:7-8).
Jesus himself refers to sackcloth and ashes in Matthew (11:21), showing that the practice was familiar to his audience. Early Christians adopted the custom, publicly donning sackcloth and sprinkling themselves with ashes as a sign of repentance. The practice of wearing sackcloth gradually faded after the 4th century CE.
For Christians, Lenten discipline is inspired by Jesus, who fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights while being tempted in the wilderness. At the end of his Lenten journey, angels came and ministered to him (Mt. 4:1-11). He urges his followers to give alms sincerely, pray earnestly, and fast discreetly.
Lent is a time to think and act beyond oneself. The Kenya Catholic Bishops, in their Lenten Campaign 2025 launched last week in Mombasa, urged Kenyans to embrace patriotism and look beyond regional interests. In their publication, The Kenya We Desire, they encourage the faithful to pray and work for the common good by strengthening family life, fighting corruption, engaging with young people, and caring for the environment.
Fr Njoroge is Vice Postulator of the Cause of the Servant of God Maurice Cardinal Otunga and serves as Professor of Development Studies and University Chaplain (Catholic) at JKUAT;
