Showing results for "Which Christian sacrament involves the ritual washing with water as a symbol of spiritual cleansing"

Why the religious fast for Ramadan, Lent and other holy days

Fasting across religions is practiced for a wide range of reasons that include spiritual purification and self-discipline. Muslims are welcoming the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting, increased worship, heightened charity, good deeds and community. Christians are also fasting during Lent, the 40-day period of penance and prayer ahead of Easter. In Judaism, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar involves a 25-hour fasting period that's coupled with prayers for forgiveness. Fasting is also an important part of Jainism. It is viewed as a way to cleanse one's body, including one's bad karma or actions. In Hinduism, fasting is not an obligation, but a voluntary act of spiritual purification.

Pope washes feet in Holy Thursday rite

Pope Francis has washed and dried the feet of 12 residents of a Rome juvenile prison in a Holy Thursday rite symbolizing humility. Ten male and two female residents each removed a shoe so Francis could bend over, pour water over one bare foot and then dry with a plain white towel. The ritual recalls Jesus' washing the feet of his 12 apostles at their last supper together before he was crucified. Some of the 12 whispered in the pope's ear after they shook and kissed his hand. Earlier, Francis presided over mid-morning Holy Thursday Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. The 86-year-old pope was recently hospitalized for bronchitis.

Indigenous faithful, Christians work to conserve sacred forests

Indigenous faithful and Christians work with environmentalists to conserve India's sacred forests

The northeast Indian state of Meghalaya is home to more than 125 sacred forests. These are tracts of virgin woodlands, which the Indigenous people believe are the abodes of their gods. Many of these forests are hallowed grounds where it is taboo to even pluck a leaf. The pantheistic local religious practices have waned with the advent of Christianity. The state is 75% Christian in a country that is majority Hindu. But environmentalists and some government programs are helping generate fresh enthusiasm for preserving these forests, which are water sources and treasure troves of biodiversity. Indigenous communities still perform rituals and animal sacrifices in or near these forests.