News Entry
Lent at Old Saint Paul’s
Date Posted: Wednesday 11 February 2009
The English word “Lent” derives from the Anglo-Saxon word for “spring”, which coincides with the time of forty days leading up to Easter. It thus calls to mind the new life, growth, hope and change that characterises this time of prayer, penance and conversion. The liturgy in Lent is marked by a certain austerity - simpler vestments and ornaments are used, flowers are absent, and the organ is restrained.
The first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, takes its name from the ashes which are placed on our foreheads during the liturgy on that day. This ceremony symoblises our conversion, penance and human mortality. The ashes are made from palms blessed on the previous Palm Sunday.
There are two Masses on Ash Wednesday - a said Mass at 12.20pm, and High Mass at 7.30pm. Music at High Mass includes the haunting setting of psalm 51, the Miserere, written for the Sistine Chapel and attributed to the 17th century musician Gregorio Allegri, which is sung during the Giving of Ashes.
On the following Sunday, 1 March, High Mass at 10.30am begins with the singing of the Great Litany in Procession, during which we ask for God’s blessing on the world and all its creatures.
Throughout Lent, several study courses will be running. All are welcome to participate in these sessions.
