On Ash Wednesday, February 6, Rev. Cassie McCarty, chaplain, Spiritual Care Services, and volunteers will be on hand to administer ashes to patients and staff members throughout the hospital and outpatient clinics. Should you miss their visit to your unit/clinic, you are welcome to receive ashes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the meditation room in City of Hope’s Helford Clinical Research Hospital (next to the gift shop).
What is Ash Wednesday?
In Christian tradition (for both Catholics and Protestants), Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, which is the 40-day period of penitence and fasting leading up to Good Friday. (Lent is a remembrance of the 40 days of fasting of Christ in the desert.)
On Ash Wednesday, followers have their foreheads marked with ashes in the shape of a cross, symbolizing confession, repentance and belonging to God. Ashes are a biblical symbol of mourning and repentance, which is why they are used on this holy day. Ashes are also a reminder of our mortality and need for humility before God, as are the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” used when ashes are administered. This is a reference to Abraham’s words found in Genesis 18:27, “I am nothing but dust and ashes.”
In Christian tradition, Good Friday marks the day on which Christ was crucified and then subsequently rose from the dead on Easter; three days later.
