[kstewskis]

But why on a Wed?

Ash Wendesday starts 40 days before Easter Sunday, that's why it turns out to be Wednesday. Lent lasts for 40 days, as was how long Jesus spent in the desert.

And didn't Jesus condemn public practices such as this?

He condemned the outward bragging of penances, and of those who did the opposite (toot their horn for the sake of...tooting their horn...no humility there)

Think Ted Kennedy here as an example. He (like many other liberal "CINO's) fit this description.

I've pinged some folks here that might be more versed in this canon, and will sight biblical background.

I can't think clearly now, I have a headache, and it's past my pumpkin time :) I'll try to get back to you later.

[fatima]

Thanks for the ping kstewskis.