[Salvation]

Anyone can receive ashes. It is a sacramental — not a sacrament.

You could go into a Catholic Church and receive ashes on your forehead.

Usually Catholic Churches are packed to the gills on Ash Wednesday when not only Catholics, but other Christians come for the ashes.

[IbJensen]

My point with Biden is that he ran around in front of television cameras all day long with the ashes on his forehead. He's trying to say that even though he believes wholeheartedly in the Democrat Manifesto he is a Catholic. Even though he subscribes to the murder of millions of innocent babies he is, after all, a Catholic!

He is posturing, imbecilic piece of scum!

[Cvengr]

Thanks, re:sacramental vs sacrament.

Just an observation.

Over the years on many an occasion, I generally do not track Lent. Seems as though it always pops up 1-3 weeks earlier than I anticipate it to occur, but am reminded when I observe a faithful Catholic wearing the ashes on the forehead.

When I ask if those are ashes, in a friendly fashion, I am frequently rebuffed in disgust. I really don’t understand why the animosity in reaction to such an inquiry. Is there anything associated with the ritual which is considered private to warrant such a response or is it just human reaction? Any ideas? This isn’t intended to offend, just a curious observation and query.