As most Catholics are well aware, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. And, of course, almost everyone associates Lent with giving something up, even if they do not understand the penitential importance of the season. “I gave that up for Lent” is a common refrain, …

by Mary Farrow Washington D.C., Feb 27, 2022 / 03:03 am “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Or, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” On Ash Wednesday, millions of Catholics throughout the English-speaking world will hear one of these two blessings as a priest applies ashes …

by Hannah Brockhaus Rome, Italy, Mar 2, 2022 / 10:57 am Pope Francis cautioned on Ash Wednesday against the temptation to allow Lenten prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to be taken over by an “illness of appearances” that cares more about earthly than eternal rewards. In a homily read by the Vatican Secretary …

There is a certain peace and beauty as we begin our Lenten Journey with Mass during Ash Wednesday. Check out today’s video:

We’ve set sail on Lent 2020, and here’s a look at Ash Wednesday in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Our photographers went to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains in Cincinnati, St. Anthony of Padua & St. Mary Parishes in Dayton.

by Courtney Mares Vatican City, Feb 23, 2022 / 03:07 am Expressing great sadness at the worsening situation in Ukraine, Pope Francis asked world leaders on Wednesday to “make a serious examination of conscience before God.” Speaking at his live-streamed general audience on Feb. 23, the pope called for people to fast …

Live! from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at 12:00 Noon.

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Feb 17, 2021 / 03:15 am MT (CNA).- The 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to turn from the slavery of sin to the freedom found in reconciliation with God, Pope Francis said on Ash Wednesday. “The journey of Lent is an exodus from …

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, …