Feria Quarta Cinerum

We got started on the penitential aspect of the season right off the bat, getting our ashes as we did not only far too early, i.e., the 6:00 a.m. Mass, but also in the Novus Ordo. Sigh.

So instead of

Almighty and Eternal God, spare those who repent, show mercy to those who implore Thee, be pleased to send Thy holy Angel form heaven to bless and sanctify these ashes; that they may be a wholesome remedy to all who humbly call upon Thy Name; and conscious of their sins, accuse themselves, deplore their crimes before Thy Divine leniency or humbly and earnestly kneel before Thy most exalted goodness; and grant, through the invocation of Thy most Holy Name, that all who may be sprinkled with these ashes for redemption from their sins, may receive both health of body and safety of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

and three more in a similar vein, we got

Lord, bless the sinner who asks for your forgiveness and bless all those who receive these ashes. May they keep this lenten season in preparation for the joy of Easter. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

No, not heretical, schismatic, illegal, or fattening. Just. . . .anæmic.

Still, these days there's hope on every side. There's our new Archbishop Gomez. There's Summorum Pontificum. There's Anglicanorum Cœtibus. There's Pope Benedict himself. Maybe next year something better.

In the meantime, I need to get some fish for the dinner or we shall be even more penitential than expected.