In preparation for Lent, Father John T. Raharjo, pastor of St. Ann Church in Arlington, blessed palms and set them ablaze to make ashes for Ash Wednesday. The ceremony took place in front of the statue of St. Ann March 3.
“These are the palms we used to welcome Jesus last year at his entry into Jerusalem,” said Father Raharjo. “And now, in the journey of the liturgical year, we use the same palms to create ashes for our entry into Lent to complete the circle.”
Father Raharjo offered a prayer, moments before lighting the old palms:
“Merciful God, in their life these palms drew life from the earth and gave it back to our air and the animals they hosted and sheltered. On Passion Sunday they helped us offer festive celebration. Now, as these palms are reduced to ashes for our use, we pray they will serve as sign of our mortality and your merciful power to save.
“You called us from the dust of the earth, and claimed us as your children in the waters of baptism. Look upon us as we prepare for the 40 days of Lent by burning these palms to create the ashes that will mark us as penitents. May our fasting be a hunger for justice, our alms, a way of making peace, and our prayer, a song of thankful hearts. May we recognize your love at work in us and through us, replanting our lives in the sure and humble soil of your grace so we may once again greet the Passover with joy.”
