Pope receives cross of ashes on forehead for Lent

[rweerakkody4565]

The religion is good......only that its leaders are bad =(

[lloydbaltazar]

Americans get their cross on the forehead whilst the rest of the Catholic world, even in the Holy Land get it on their scalp just like the original Christians did in the 2nd century. Why oh why I don't get it modernists are the demons of the Vatican II agenda

[lloydbaltazar]

I don't know why the Latin's make a cross on their foreheads during Lenten season. In the holy land, the cross is sprinkled through the form of a Cross or drawn on the scalp like a cross.... Just like the Pope Benedict does here on this video. Better to do it old-style, which is on the top of the scalp, not forehead.

[bryandee32]

The Pope wore a traditional vestment from Vatican I...

I really like it when the Pope wears it in a liturgical function like this one....

[josparkes1]

Lovely, I saw the ashes put on his head, but didn't see them being placed on his forehead as a cross so did I not see it properly ?

I had this done at my church wed too.

Very moving.

[willthacheerleader18]

@PaleRider626 The Catholic Church is the oldest and largest Christian Church. It has lasted through the ages. The conversion of Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and Africa are all thanks to the Catholic Church. The college system is thanks to the Catholic Church. Many hospitals, orphaniges, and schools are thanks to the Catholic Church. Abuse, as sad as it is, happens in all religions. And yes, that deffinently includes the protestants.

[6MemoryOfForever9]

the Pope looks tired :/

[willthacheerleader18]

@6MemoryOfForever9 he is probably in mourning, because Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting, mourning, and repentence :]

[6MemoryOfForever9]

@willthacheerleader18 I hope it's spiritual, and not health related!

[willthacheerleader18]

@6MemoryOfForever9 same here! I would hate for the Holy Father to fall ill, especially in his elderly state.

[6MemoryOfForever9]

@PaleRider626 says Hitler! (but the pope was in the Hitler Youth bla bla bla).... guess what? half of the current Germany was in the Hitler Youth.

[willthacheerleader18]

@6MemoryOfForever9 so true! My great uncle, a devout Catholic, Jew-sympathizer, and anti-nazi was even in the Hitler Youth.

[johnemo20]

@PaleRider626 It's also the largest singularly run Charity on Earth.

[stpaulfan]

What a wonderful inspiration this Pope is, I pray that God gives him many more years. God bless you Pope Benedict XVI.

[AnAngelOfMercy]

God Bless Pope Benedict XVI. ♰

[coldlittle]

Why aren't they receiving the cross on the forehead?

[juliusth4]

@coldlittle Its a different custom in Europe than it is in America. Actually it's a very old practice, as in apostolic times or the early history of the Church. Many Eastern Churches also follow this practice.

[coldlittle]

@juliusth4 Mhmm... but I'm in europe. I don't see the clerics doing that here. :S But I understand in the centre of Tradition!

[cunjoz]

@coldlittle

In Europe we also recieve the cross on the forehead. But the clerics recieve the cross where their tonsure is.

[cunjoz]

@cunjoz i.e. on their heads.