The Rubrics of Lent
The first Sunday of Lent approaches! 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, Portugal, and Italy, 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 the Pope’s Ash Wednesday procession in Rome from 2020. Given his current infirmities, I suspect he’s had a delegate walk in the processions this year.
