What I learned about Ash Wednesday in Catholic grammar school is summed up here: “…we use ashes made form the burned palm branches distributed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The priest blesses the ashes and imposes them on the foreheads of the faithful, making the sign of the cross and saying, “Remember, man you are dust and to dust you shall return,”-Arlington Catholic Herald, February 17, 1994.
But what I remember is marching with my grammar school classmates from our homeroom down a tall metal fire escape to the side entrance of St. Michael’s. Shushed and prodded by a Sister of St. Joseph, we entered the dark church and lined up to receive our ashes. As the priest rubbed them across my forehead, I wondered if I had gotten a real cross or just a smudge. (I would not find out until I got home after school and looked in the mirror.)
I did not really think about the ashes’ meaning or symbolism then. But now, as I face my own mortality, I do. I don’t remember the last time I actually received ashes, but it seems that I usually knew when it was Ash Wednesday because I often went to my local church to take photographs. I started in 1971 at St. Michael’s and continued at St. John’s on 21st Street.
About the Columnist
When I returned to South Brooklyn in 1970 after two years in California as a VISTA Volunteer, I was 22 years old with no plans and a $30 camera I barely knew how to use. I took a course at the School of Visual Arts, a job with the telephone company and began to photograph my family and friends. Things worked out better than I could have expected. I’ve been making photographs for over 50 years, and have some things I’d like to share.
Check out my book, Here Down on Dark Earth, here.
Readers can respond directly to me – larryracioppo@gmail.com.
Before you go…
We’re always paying attention to the people and projects helping move photography forward, and one that’s caught our eye lately is Raw Photo Fest, launching this May in Menorca, Spain. Organized by The Raw Society, the festival brings together an impressive mix of legendary and emerging voices, including Martin Parr, Cristina de Middel, Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb, Ed Kashi, and a new commission by Steve McCurry, with exhibitions unfolding across cafés, homes, and historic spaces throughout the island.
We already have a bit of affection for The Raw Society around here. Many of their members have contributed to Street Photography Magazine over the years, including Deborah Cole, France Leclerc, Gavin Libotte, Ibarionex Perello, and James Hazelwood, just to name a few. With its focus on storytelling, community, and visual narrative, the festival feels closely aligned with the conversations happening here at SPM.
We’re hoping to sit down with co-founder Jorge Delgado-Ureña on the podcast soon to learn more about what they’re building there, so keep an ear out for that episode.
In the meantime, be sure to visit the festival website to get all the details, and hopefully, plan your trip.
Let us know if you’re planning to attend. Who knows? If the stars align, I might just see you there.