While the struggles of the last year may seem like Lent never ended, it is once again upon us. However, the central message of Lent is always timely and perhaps more real to us because of the various struggles in our world today.
About 40 peace advocates representing about a dozen religious communities held a special Hiroshima and Nagasaki Commemoration Prayer Service of Repentance midday Aug. 9 outside the White House in Washington.
The imposition of ashes is a solemn ritual that signals the beginning of the holy season of Lent. The ceremony is distinctive; there is no liturgical action like it throughout the entire church year.
