Ember Wednesday in Lent

This coming Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are Ember Days under the classical Roman Calendar. At the beginning of the four seasons of the year, the Church celebrated Ember Days to thank God for his blessings during the past year and to implore further graces for the new season.Ember Days were marked by fasting and abstaining from meat as one would do on Ash Wednesday or Good Friday. They are intended to consecrate to God the four seasons in nature, and to prepare by penance those who are about to be ordained. Ordinations were often conferred at this time, so it is traditional to pray for Vocations at this time!

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Wednesday 4 March 2009

FERIA IV QUATUOR TEMPORUM QUADRAGESIMAE
Ember Wednesday in Lent
2nd Class, Violet
No Gloria; No Credo; Pref. of Lent; Prayer over the People
Commem. of St Casimir, Confessor, at Low Masses

Oremus.

Preces nostras, quæsumus, Dómine, cleménter exáudi : et contra cuncta nobis adversántia déxteram tuæ majestátis exténde. Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.

We beseech thee, O Lord, that thou wouldest graciously hear our prayers : and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty to be our defence against all adversities.

Links:

• Catholic Encyclopaedia: Ember Days
• Fasting & Abstinence