Catholics against war to deliver ashes to Bush

This is the kind of stunt designed simply to drum up media hits, and I'll oblige. An e-mail from Catholics for an End to the War in Iraq just arrived in my inbox stating that the group will mark tomorrow, which is Ash Wednesday, by delivering ashes to the White House.

The use of ashes at the White House is a sign of atonement for President Bush’s war in Iraq, his continued support of torture and for his squandering of our nation’s moral leadership in the world.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a time when Catholics pray for forgiveness in preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that Jesus’ death was an act of atonement for personal and social sins.

Fr. Joe Nangle OFM, a Catholic priest serving at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, will be present to bless the ashes. “The use of ashes is an ancient and sacred sign that we are ultimately accountable to a higher power. If anyone needs this pastoral advice, it is President Bush.,” said Fr. Nangle.