The Rubrics of Lent

Today, we begin the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. The modern Roman Missal has a set of rubrics that cover the whole of Lent, before digging into each day separately.

Most folks are familiar with number 4, and I’d venture to say that 3 is not exactly unknown to priests and ministers, if not the folks in the pews.

But what’s up with 1? I have never experienced a Lenten procession before Mass. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of one happening locally. I know that this happens in some European countries, most especially Spain and in Rome, but the United States?

And why not? It comes “strongly recommended”.

It sounds like a lovely tradition, walking through the streets in penitential procession chanting the Litany of the Saints. More processions, I say!

As an example, here is today’s Ash Wednesday procession from Rome.