Taking the Cross of Ash on the forehead is more than a tradition; It is an act of faith and regret for the offenses committed against God. This gesture must be done with full awareness. In the case of children, it serves as a guide to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the Cross of Calvary, without which humanity would remain guilty of their sins.
Fray Roberto Díaz, a member of the Order of the Belén brothers, details that the Church calls all the baptized to participate in this time of penance, which invites reflection and conversion, actions that must be carried out with faith.
—The imposition of the Cruz de Asizo is not only a tradition, but a means for the baptized, including children, growing in the experience of their faith, “said Díaz.
The religious leader explained that the participation of children in this act is a devotional practice that allows parents to educate them in the Christian faith. Through this rite, children learn about piety and the importance of living Lent since childhood.
Including them in this celebration facilitates that, by growing, they approach Jesus Christ, the direct channel with God, as mentioned in Romans 3:24: “However, with a goodness that we do not deserve, God declares us fair through Christ Jesus, who freed us from the punishment of our sins”.
Is there a specific age to receive the Cross of Ash?
Fray Roberto Díaz explained that there is no established age to participate in the imposition of the ash, since the Church calls all the baptized to receive it, including babies.
However, he explained that the Church establishes certain norms regarding fasting and abstinence.
“From the age of 14, the faithful have the obligation to practice these acts as part of their commitment to faith,” he said.
“Since children, children can participate in the imposition of ash, but it is important that, as they grow, they understand their meaning and live it consciously,” Diaz added.
The purpose of this teaching is that your participation in this act is genuine and guided by faith, repentance and reflection.
Catechism as preparation
For children to understand the acts of faith that the Catholic Church performs, the Fray commented that they need to participate in the catechism.
—When children prepare for the first communion, which is usually between the age of eight and ten, they are instructed on the different liturgical stages of the Church. They learn about ordinary time, Lent, Easter, Advent and Christmas, which are the cycles in which the Christian life is structured.
Through catechesis, they are taught the meaning of Ash Wednesday and its link with the conversion and spiritual preparation for Holy Week, ”said Fray Díaz.
Fast during childhood
On every Ash Wednesday, fasting and abstinence must be carried out. Although this act is carried out literally, it must also have a spiritual sense. That is why children can participate in fasting, even if it is not specifically food.
Fasting not only involves refraining from food, but also giving up certain habits, such as excessive cellular use, leaving video games or avoiding what distracts us from closeness to God.
“Children can instill the meaning of fasting by inviting them to small voluntary resignations, such as avoiding sweets or spending more time to prayer and reflection,” the religious leader resulted.
Fasting and abstinence dates
Church norms establish that ecclesial leaders can set these dates. In Lent, it has been determined that Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and mandatory abstinence.
In addition, the Church invites the faithful to practice meat abstinence every Friday of Lent. However, older adults and people with health conditions that prevent them from complying with these practices are exempt from this obligation.