Beginning of Lent

                                       
                                          Poussin's Sacrament of Penance




Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the season of preparation for Easter on Sunday, 8 April 2012.


Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou
hast made and dost forgive the sins of all those who are
penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our
wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


(The Ash Wednesday Collect from the Book of Divine Worship.)