Ember Days are three days of fasting and abstinence (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) at the beginning of each of the four seasons. "Lanty, Pentecost, Holy Cross, Lucy." (Lent, Whitsun, Sept 14, Dec 13).
The Fall Embers (September)
These days follow the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Sept 14). Historically, they were days to:
- Thank God for the harvest (grapes/wheat).
- Pray for priests (ordinations usually happened on Ember Saturdays).
- Do penance for the excesses of the summer.
Why Bring Them Back?
We need rhythm. We are not robots. Our spiritual life should change with the seasons. As the leaves fall and the days get shorter, Ember Days remind us to prepare our souls for the "winter" of death and the hope of resurrection.
Mark your calendar. Join the global fast this Wednesday. Learn more on the MyPrayerTower app.