A Solemn Ash Wednesday

The Infant of Prague dressed in traditional violet vestments
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Meménto, homo, quia pulvis es, et in púlverem revertéris 1

After a decadent Martedì Grasso, or Fat Tuesday, members of the Fratelli della Santa Fede (Brothers of the Holy Faith) began the penitential season of Lent together on Ash Wednesday at the Shrine Church of the Holy Innocents (128 W 37th St.) in Manhattan. Arriving early, we were able to get our regular seats on St. Joseph's side of the altar (i.e. the right side), before the church filled up for the evening Tridentine High Mass.

The scourging at the pillar

Settling in, we made our way around the nave, meditating on the Stations of the Cross and visiting the statues of the saints. Praying for the poor and forgotten Souls in Purgatory, I lit candles by my familial patrons, St. Thérèse of Lisieux and the Infant of Prague, which was vested in traditional violet finery. We also prayed by the newly installed “Ecce Homo,” a powerful image of Christ flayed by the column. As is the custom, all flowers adorning the altar and statues were removed for Lent. Interestingly, I’ve never seen so many candles lit in this church before.

Prior to Mass, there was the traditional blessing and Imposition of Holy Ashes at the Communion Rail.

Fr. Peter Stravinskas sang the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. MC Eddy Toribio, the servers, and the very talented Schola Cantorum of Holy Innocents dutifully assisted him.

After the dismissal and blessing we stayed for the Exposition and Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, which was followed by the parish’s Perpetual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Joseph. The solemn rite concluded with the Benediction and Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and veneration of the icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at the Communion Rail.

~ Giovanni di Napoli, Feast of Sant’Ilaro

(1) Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return. ~ Genesis 3. 19