Ember Day (Spring) 2024

Spring Ember Day

First Friday of September

Introduction:

• Their purpose is to give thanks to God for His creation and request assistance in using these gifts well.

History and Meaning:

• Ember Days are a unique feature of the Roman Church with a somewhat obscure history.
• Traditionally, there were four Ember Weeks throughout the year, each corresponding to a season's start. The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of these weeks were days of fasting, abstinence, and prayer.
• The practice is believed to have Christianized pagan festivals, integrating them into the Church’s liturgical year.
• Pope Leo the Great considered them apostolic in origin, and Pope Gelasius associated them with priestly ordinations.

Etymology:

• The term "ember" could stem from the Anglo-Saxon "ymbren" (circle/revolution) or the Latin "quatuor tempora" (four times).

Modern Usage:

• Before 1966, Ember Days were mandatory. They are now encouraged but not obligatory.
• The 1969 General Norms for the Liturgical Year and Calendar left their observance to local bishops' discretion.
• In Australia, Ember Days are observed on the first Fridays of Autumn and Spring.

Significance:

• Observing Ember Days reconnects us to our dependency on the earth and encourages gratitude and virtuous living.
• Pope Francis advocates for a new asceticism that aligns with the spirit of Ember Days.
• They are also a time to pray and fast for priests and seminarians.

For more information, visit the original article on Melbourne Catholic.