I just had ashes imposed on me by an EMHC. The imposition happened right after the priest's homily, which some agree is the most opportune time to do so.
I personally do not wash off my ashes. I proudly show off my mark telling the whole world, especially anti-Catholics that I am proud of who I am and what I believe in!
We must also remember that ashes are sacramentals. They are blessed objects and should be treated properly.
Blessed palms MUST NOT BE thrown into the waste basket like all of our trash. They are blessed objects. We must burn them and the ashes disposed off properly like burying it.
So, I keep my ashes on my forehead and wash it off before I go to bed. I make sure that the washed off water from my face falls to the ground and not just in the sewers because that is not the proper place for blessed objects.
Ash Wednesday is the only time when we wear the Sign of the Cross visible to all. My "smudge" didn't last that long since my forehead sweats much!
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