What is the origin of beginning Lent with Ash Wednesday? When did the practice of using ashes start? Like other practices in the Church, being signed with ashes on the first day of Lent is an ancient custom that has undergone some development. From Biblical times through the Medieval Age, …

Story & photos by Susie Bergman Say the words “Fat Tuesday” or “Mardi Gras” to most people, and they may smile sheepishly at the Christian holiday that has become synonymous with beads, booze and debauchery. But not all of them. In Mercer County, Matthew Hess has been on a mission …

From the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains:

Ash Wednesday 2021 Archdiocese of Cincinnati While observing the existing guidance already in place relative to worship in a time of public health concern, the blessing and distribution of ashes to the faithful on Ash Wednesday takes place in the following way (per instruction from the Holy See on Jan …

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Jan 12, 2021 / 09:00 am MT (CNA).- The Vatican gave guidance Tuesday about how priests can distribute ashes on Ash Wednesday amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments published a note Jan. 12, directing priests to …

Lent is one of the most important times of year for Christians, when we take our faith seriously and work on converting our hearts. Many people focus on giving up pleasures, but I say don’t waste your time.

A Lenten Journey through Black History in Rural Ohio The Catholic Rural Life Conferences and Anti-Racism Task Force of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati Social Action Office invite you to join us for a series of three presentations looking at three unique aspects of African American history in southwestern Ohio. During …

by Courtney Mares Rome Newsroom, Feb 15, 2021 / 06:30 am MT (CNA).- The Iraqi government has announced new COVID-19 restrictions, including the closure of all places of worship, less than three weeks before Pope Francis’ scheduled trip to Iraq. On Feb. 14 the health ministry of Iraq wrote that …

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Feb 15, 2021 / 05:30 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis on Monday named Fr. Gary W. Janak, a canon lawyer and licensed counselor, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas. Bishop-elect Janak, 58, is vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of …

145 feet to the tip of the spire 1 vaulted, hand-stenciled wood ceiling 42 all-volunteer choir members 4 CDs of choir music available 10 clerestory windows originally plain glass. Patterned glass made in America added in the 1960s. 2 major stained-glass windows made in Germany More than 12 smaller windows …