No cross on foreheads at local churches this Ash Wednesday
Churchgoers will instead have ashes sprinkled on top of their heads.
KFSN
Share:
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) Local Catholic Churches are adjusting Ash Wednesday rituals due to the pandemic.
It s traditionally the time of year when believers get a cross of ashes applied to their foreheads, but social distancing restrictions are forcing church leaders to rethink that approach.
Rather than getting the familiar cross of ashes on their foreheads, Roman Catholics and Episcopalians will instead have ashes sprinkled on top of their heads. It s very biblical. It is the preferred method in the Old Testament literally, when people would dress in sack cloth and they would cover their head in ashes, said Bishop Joseph Brennan.