Ember Days
The Ember Days are kept on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in a week of each of the four seasons of the year. They fall after Ash Wednesday, after Whitsunday, after September 14, and after December 13.
Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday were days of particular devotion in the early Church: Wednesday, as recalling the betrayal of our Lord, and Friday in memory of His Passion, Saturday was later added to these days of prayer and penance as a continuation of Friday, and as far back as the second century they were set apart as Stational days, that is, as days of special religious service and fasting.
The Ember Days, although the occasion of their institution is uncertain, are a reminder of these ancient days of devotion. Their purpose is to thank God for the fruits of the earth and other gifts of nature, to teach moderation in their use, and to assist the needy. From the time of Pope Gelasius in the fifth century it has been allowed to confer the diaconate and priesthood on the Saturdays of Ember weeks.
ANT. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee.
- V. Lord, Thou hast been our refuge.
- R. From generation to generation.
